Virginie De Selliers: A Trailblazer in Trauma Therapy and a Mother’s Unwavering Support
Who Is Virginie De Selliers?
Virginie de Selliers is a highly respected British systemic psychotherapist and integrative counsellor, renowned for her specialisation in trauma therapy, family systems, and group work. Based in the United Kingdom, she has over a decade of professional experience in private practice, supporting individuals, couples, and groups through their emotional and psychological challenges.
Her warm, holistic approach blends a deep understanding of human psychology with a compassionate presence, making her one of the most sought-after therapists in London and Dorset. Beyond her professional life, she is also known for her enduring support of her daughter, Constance Marten, through one of the most publicly scrutinised and tragic legal cases in recent British memory.
Virginie De Selliers: The Psychotherapist
An Integrative and Systemic Approach
Virginie describes herself as an integrative counsellor, drawing on a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to the needs of each client. Her training spans attachment theory, Gestalt therapy, creative therapies, family systems, group facilitation, and trauma-focused work. She applies these methods within the Waverley Integrative Framework, an approach designed to help clients reach their counselling goals while respecting their individuality.
Her practice focuses on uncovering the roots of painful feelings, recurrent behavioural patterns, and troubled relationships. These often stem from past experiences and, if unaddressed, can manifest as harmful psychological or physical symptoms. Virginie works with clients to understand and transform these patterns, fostering healing and resilience.
Expertise in Complex Trauma
Virginie’s expertise lies particularly in addressing complex trauma and related disorders, including agoraphobia, social phobia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Through compassionate and informed care, she helps clients navigate their trauma and regain a sense of agency.
Credentials and Practice
Her academic and professional qualifications reflect her commitment to excellence:
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MSc in Systemic Therapy – Institute of Family Therapy, London
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BA (Hons) in Counselling – University of Roehampton
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Further integrative counselling training at Waverley – CWR
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Certificate in Life Coaching – Professional Christian Coaching Institute
She runs her private practice in both central London and Shaftesbury, Dorset, and maintains memberships with the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Virginie De Selliers and Her Family
Virginie De Selliers Husband
Virginie was first married to Napier Marten, a British aristocrat and former Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II. They had four children, including their daughter Constance Marten, who later became central to a highly publicised case. After the marriage ended in divorce in the 1990s, Napier left his aristocratic life behind and pursued a simpler, spiritual path. Virginie later married Guy de Selliers, a Belgian financier, and continued raising her family in London.
Virginie De Selliers Marten
Despite her divorce from Napier, Virginie maintained strong ties with her children, including Constance. In 2016, when Constance failed to show up for a family holiday, Virginie’s maternal concern led her to hire private detectives in an effort to locate her daughter. This search may have contributed to Constance’s decision to withdraw even further from her family, but it also demonstrated Virginie’s unwavering care.
Years later, when Constance became embroiled in a legal case over the tragic death of her newborn daughter, Virginie was present at the Old Bailey trial every day, sitting quietly to support her child. She even managed to pass a Christmas card to Constance during the proceedings — a deeply human gesture that underscored her unshakable love and empathy as a mother.
Napier Marten and Virginie De Selliers: A Complex History
Napier Marten’s story adds another layer to the family dynamic. After leaving his privileged life, he reportedly now lives modestly in a converted shipping container and spends his time volunteering to support parents in custody proceedings — a dramatic departure from his earlier aristocratic lifestyle.
While Napier and Virginie have long gone separate ways, their shared history and their ongoing concern for Constance during her troubles have remained a quiet but poignant part of the family narrative. Both parents expressed their worries for Constance, even if expressed in different ways — Napier combing campsites during her disappearance, and Virginie sitting steadfastly in court.
Virginie De Selliers in the UK
Virginie’s contributions to mental health in the UK are as remarkable as her personal resilience. Her dual presence in both Dorset and London allows her to offer support to clients in both rural and urban settings. At a time when mental health services are in increasing demand, her ability to offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment remains invaluable.
Her holistic method, which attends to physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects of well-being, resonates deeply with those seeking meaningful change. Virginie de Selliers UK represents both a professional who excels in her field and a mother who exemplifies dedication under extraordinary circumstances.
Why Virginie De Selliers Stands Out
Creating a Safe Space
Virginie prioritises creating a secure and accepting atmosphere for her clients, allowing them to explore difficult emotions and experiences at their own pace.
Addressing Repeated Patterns
Her skill lies in helping clients recognise and break free from entrenched behavioural and emotional patterns that often trace back to childhood or unresolved trauma.
Ongoing Growth
Virginie continues to engage in professional development and clinical supervision to ensure that her methods remain current and effective, reflecting her commitment to her craft.
Education and Professional Development
Virginie’s extensive education includes:
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MSc in Systemic Therapy (Institute of Family Therapy)
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BA Hons and Diploma in Counselling (University of Roehampton)
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Integrative Counselling training (Waverley – CWR)
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Life Coaching (Professional Christian Coaching Institute)
This impressive academic foundation enables her to offer nuanced, evidence-based care to her clients.
Conclusion
Virginie de Selliers is a remarkable figure — both as a professional psychotherapist and as a mother navigating profound personal trials. Her integrative approach, expertise in trauma, and dedication to helping clients transform their lives have made her a respected presence in British psychotherapy.
At the same time, her steadfast support of her daughter Constance during a deeply tragic and highly publicised case highlights her extraordinary compassion and resilience. From hiring private investigators to search for her missing daughter, to sitting silently in court every day, and even passing a Christmas card during trial, Virginie has demonstrated the same unwavering care in her personal life as she does in her professional work.
Her first husband, Napier Marten, may have retreated to a humble life in a shipping container, but Virginie continues to embody strength, dignity, and empathy — both as a practitioner and as a mother.
In a world that increasingly values emotional well-being and resilience, Virginie de Selliers stands out as a beacon of hope, helping others heal while navigating her own complex journey.
