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Meet Xiana Merlo (formerly Alda Gomez)

creative, FREE spirit, intuitive therapist for sensitive minds and globettroters

mY jOurney

From hiding my sensitivity to belonging

When my psychotherapy peers described me as a "free spirit", I was surprised. After all, I had always been the shy one, the passive one, the invisible one, always hiding behind a mask of normality. I would have never dreamt of changing colours and capitals or lower cases on a website, let alone change my name. Anything that would make me stand out felt dangerous. Still does a bit. Does this resonate with you? Would you like to know how change becomes possible?

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It wasn't a breakthrough, but a long journey. It starts with stopping and looking in; stop blaming others, the government, society; and reflect, move, release what no longer belongs. How did I release it? I chose dance, tai chi and qigong, talking therapy, and movement practices. Then I discovered energy psychotherapy, and it fitted me like a glove. Its gentle methods helped me let go more fully and surrender to something wiser than my conscious mind.

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I love mosaic art, and I love the image of our lives as mosaics that we create with different pieces. As an Highly Sensitive Person, I often described my sensitivity as a blessing and a curse. I could understand and bond with people at a deeper level, but it could also leave me feeling overwhelmed and hurt.

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This might be your experience too. Not knowing how to protect yourself from other people's emotions. Becoming overinvolved in their lives. Knowing you need stronger boundaries but not knowing where to begin. This is where therapy can help. It can be a space where you explore what feels right for you, letting go of what no longer serves you, while learning to trust the wisdom of your body.

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Your sensitivity is a gift to the world. It is precious, and it needs to be guarded. It can feel lonely at times when others don't get it. Don't let it discourage you. We are many highly sensitive and creative individuals. You are not alone.

 

I am here to help you transform the mosaic pieces of your difference and your sensitivity into your chosen work of art through creative energy psychotherapy.

my HOListic & professional Approach

My approach, Integrative Energy Psychotherapy (IEP), is unique because it incorporates sought-after therapeutic modalities (IFS-inspired work, creativity, energy psychology, Jungian active imagination, and embodiment) alongside a solid foundation in trauma knowledge and experience, including working in the Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture in Dublin, Ireland.

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I am as playful (as you can tell from the titles in this website) as I am conscientious and deep, constantly training in the latest techniques, and experiencing with them myself before bringing them to you. I can offer a safe space where you can be light and playful as well as deeply engaged with your difficult past ghosts.

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My qualifications include:

2026 Diploma in Supervision - Gestalt Centre in London, UK.

2023 Diploma in Practising Energy Psychotherapy - Confer, London, UK (Now offered by Energy Psychotherapy Training).

2022 Certified AIT Practitioner - AIT Basics, Mastering AIT Practice, Presence and Dissociation, Depths - Aadvanced Integrative Therapy Institute (AITI) - USA.

2021 ​Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course - Janina Fisher - PESI.

2021 Dance of Awareness Facilitator - Devon School for Embodied Therapy - UK.

2017 Accredited EFT Practitioner - Emotional Freedom Techniques International (EFTi) - UK.

2012 Master in Psychotherapy - Dublin Business School - Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

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I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the Advanced Integrative Therapy Institute (AITI), and a member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP). I adhere by their code of ethics, including sufficient regular supervision, confidentiality, and continuous professional development (CPD). 

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I have trained and I am a LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. 

Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Logo
Member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology Logo
LGBTQ Affirmative Counsellor

WALKing the walk - caminANDO

Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar. Antonio Machado

My higher levels of conscientiousness, which is often the case with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) mean that I am deeply committed to preventing burnout. I take self-care very seriously, making sure that I engage in playful activities that replenish my energy. This commitment is what helps me show up fully and consistently for you.

Some people are concerned about their therapist's wellbeing when it comes to sharing difficult memories. That is not a concern with me, as I walk the walk. I practice what I preach.

Using art in therapy

​Where my play meets my purpose:

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  • Tai chi and qigong (moving meditation): These mindful exercises help me keep my body healthy, mind active, and soul nourished. This practice allows me to teach you grounding and regulation skills to manage your nervous system from a place of knowing.

  • Creative arts and writing: This is by far what nourishes my soul the most. I enter a state of flow where time disappears, connecting me with something bigger than ourselves: a true spiritual experience that fills me with joy. It replenishes my energy deposits so that I can contain any intensity that you might wish to share with me.

  • Personal growth: Because I am constantly learning about myself, accepting my own child parts, and integrating my experiences, I can be fully present, responding instead of reacting, and attuning to your journey during our sessions.

 

This rich mosaic of activities ensures I offer a truly holistic and authentic perspective to our work together. I am here because I have been there, and I wish to guide you toward wholeness with an open heart in a playful as well as profound and deep way. 

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In your mother tongue:

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I am delighted to offer sessions in your preferred language. We can work in:

  • English

  • Spanish

  • French

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contACT me

Ready to explore what's possible? Let's connect and see how I can support you.

You can also visit Xiana's Creative Corner to see my mosaics, poetry, and other inspirations that inform my practice.

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