Sylvia To

Sylvia To is a trainee integrative counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), currently supporting NHS clients in Sutton while working towards her Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling at The Awareness Centre. Her approach is informed by a range of therapeutic perspectives, allowing her to adapt her work to each client’s individual needs, experiences and pace.

Sylvia offers a calm, grounded and deeply non-judgemental space where clients can explore their experiences openly and without fear of being judged. She believes that a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. Rather than seeing therapy as a place to give advice, Sylvia views her role as being an attentive and steady companion, walking alongside clients as they navigate confusing, painful or overwhelming experiences. She meets clients where they are with warmth, patience and clear boundaries, while working collaboratively to help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Her integrative approach enables her to explore the connections between thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and relationship patterns, supporting clients to recognise unhelpful cycles, challenge limiting beliefs and develop greater awareness of their inner resilience. Sylvia also offers therapy in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Before training as a counsellor, Sylvia worked in corporate marketing for several years, giving her first-hand insight into the pressures of professional life, including workplace stress and burnout. Her experience volunteering on a helpline has also developed her ability to remain calm and present when supporting people experiencing acute distress. Alongside her professional experience, Sylvia has been involved in Playback Theatre, an improvised form of theatre in which performers recreate personal stories shared by audience members. This experience has influenced the way she listens, helping her remain attentive not only to what clients say but also to what may sit beneath their words. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sylvia has also experienced relocating across cultures herself, which informs her understanding of clients navigating identity, family expectations and cultural transitions. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, life transitions, low self-worth and relationship difficulties, offering a compassionate and collaborative space in which clients can explore what matters to them and move towards meaningful change.