Anna Sergent

How does psychoanalysis work?

Psychoanalysis provides a unique space for you to explore your thoughts freely, without censorship or judgement. By talking openly, often about what might seem insignificant or contradictory, we begin to uncover unconscious patterns that shape our experiences and struggles. Through this process, we can work towards lasting change, rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms. Each journey is personal and unfolds at its own pace.

Why do you offer a 15-minute psychotherapy consultation online?

I offer a free 15-minute online consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking psychotherapy, the fee, and whether we might be a good fit. It’s a chance to ask questions and get a sense of how I work before committing to a full session. It may seem like a short time, but it's enough to get a feel for whether we want to proceed. Keeping it online ensures flexibility and accessibility. If we decide to work together, I’ll email my terms and conditions, covering confidentiality, sessions, cancellations, and payment. The first full session marks the start of our work and may also serve as a consultation period, depending on how the process unfolds.

Is online or phone therapy as effective as in-person sessions?

The effectiveness of talking therapy depends on many factors, including your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in the work. Some people find online or phone sessions just as valuable as in-person therapy, appreciating the flexibility and comfort of being in their own space. Others feel that being in the same room allows for a different presence and connection. Psychoanalytic work, in particular, pays close attention to the nuances of communication—both spoken and unspoken—so it’s worth considering what feels most helpful for you. We can discuss this in our initial consultation to find the best approach for your preferences.

What is your psychotherapy training?

My training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist is extensive and rigorous, requiring several years of academic study, clinical practice, and personal analysis. It includes working with clients under regular supervision and ensuring my practice is ethical and reflective. Additionally, I continuously engage with psychoanalytic literature and ongoing professional development to deepen my understanding and refine my work as a psychotherapist.

How long does psychoanalysis take?

Psychoanalysis is an open-ended process that unfolds at its own pace. Unlike short-term therapy, it isn’t about reaching a fixed goal within a set number of sessions but about deepening self-understanding and working through unconscious patterns. The length of treatment varies for each person—some engage in psychoanalysis for several years, while others may continue for longer. What matters is the pace and depth of the work, which we would explore together as the process develops.

Do you offer short-term psychotherapy?

Yes, I offer both open-ended psychoanalytic sessions and shorter-term psychotherapy, depending on what you’re looking for. Short-term work can be useful for focusing on a specific issue, while longer-term therapy allows for deeper exploration. We can discuss what feels right for you and how best to approach our work together. What begins as brief psychotherapy can occasionally transform into an open-ended psychoanalysis.

How is psychoanalysis relevant in today’s contemporary world, given that it was created at the end of the 19th century?

Psychoanalysis remains highly relevant today because it explores the unconscious forces that shape human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. While modern life has changed, fundamental human struggles—such as identity, desire, anxiety, and relationships—remain. Contemporary analysts continue to engage with and develop Freud’s ideas, integrating them with new insights from culture, neuroscience, and social change. In a fast-paced world that often prioritises quick solutions, psychoanalysis provides a space for reflection, helping individuals understand themselves beyond surface-level symptoms and engage with the deeper dimensions of their experience.

How about the relevance of psychoanalysis in the age of AI?

Psychoanalysis addresses the deeply personal and subjective aspects of the human experience that AI cannot replicate. While AI can process data and simulate interactions, it cannot engage with the complexities of the unconscious, emotional dynamics, or the nuances of human relationships.