About Us
Step Into Yourself is an online therapy service dedicated to providing high-quality mental health support through Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Founded in 2021 by Raquel Ortega, a seasoned therapist with extensive experience in DBT, our service was created in response to the urgent need for accessible mental health care in West London and beyond.
The inspiration for Step Into Yourself arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the demand for mental health support was at its highest. The decommissioning of the Inspired Westminster Personality Disorder Service, the only public DBT service in West London, left countless individuals without the critical support they needed. As a key staff member of that clinic, Raquel Ortega witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this loss and recognized the urgent need for an alternative.
At Step Into Yourself, we believe in providing timely and effective support. We’re proud to offer immediate access to therapy, with no waiting list (for now!) and the ability to start therapy within 24 hours of your initial consultation. Our services extend not only throughout London but also internationally, offering tailored and culturally sensitive approaches to therapy that meet the diverse needs of our clients, no matter where they are.
While our roots are in supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), we have broadened our horizons to make DBT therapy accessible to a wider audience. We recognize that emotional and psychological challenges are not confined to a single diagnosis, and our approach is inclusive, aiming to help anyone seeking to improve their mental health and quality of life.
Whether you’re struggling with emotional regulation, relationship challenges, or other mental health concerns, Step Into Yourself is here to support you on your journey toward a life worth living.Step Into Yourself’s goal is to mitigate this problem. We are proud to say we don’t have any waiting list (for now!) and that individuals can start therapy within 24 hours of their initial consultation. Unlike other services, we do not cap how many sessions an individual may have. We endeavour to continue sharing DBT skills to help people live a life worth living!
Meet our founder
Born in Spain, Raquel’s journey into psychology is as diverse as her life experiences. She began her academic career studying theatre at New York University, exploring the depths of human emotion and expression. This passion for understanding people led her to forensic psychology at John Jay College, where she delved into the complexities of the human mind in the justice system. Ultimately, she found her true calling in clinical psychology, where she discovered her passion for helping others navigate their emotional worlds.
Raquel’s life is a global adventure—she has lived on four continents and speaks five languages, allowing her to bring a rich, multicultural perspective to her therapeutic work. This unique background enables her to connect deeply with clients from diverse backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive care that resonates with people across the globe.
Currently, Raquel is embarking on her most ambitious project yet—a five-year circumnavigation of the world. This journey is not just an adventure but a research mission to study emotional experiences and expressions in remote cultures. This project embodies her commitment to expanding our understanding of emotional well-being across different societies.
Through Step Into Yourself, Raquel combines her diverse experiences with her passion for mental health, providing a unique and accessible approach to therapy that helps people everywhere lead more fulfilling lives.