Life's uncertainties and obstacles can lead to confusion, discomfort, or repetition of behaviours you may not fully understand. If you're seeking a space to speak freely about what's on your mind, continue reading. Get in touch if you are interested in scheduling a psychotherapy consultation.
You might have a clear reason for seeking talking therapy—perhaps you’re caught in repetitive patterns in relationships, struggling with anxiety, or feeling disconnected. Or you may feel a persistent sense of unease and restlessness, without fully understanding the source. You could also be grappling with the expectations placed upon you by others, struggling to align with your own.
Psychoanalysis offers a unique approach to delve into the deeper structures of your mind—your unconscious thoughts, desires, and motivations. It focusses on the gaps in language, the interplay of desire, and the underlying truths often obscured by ingrained thought patterns that can be the cause of mental suffering. If you're questioning your life, relationships, or the way you relate to others, psychoanalysis invites you to explore the unconscious meanings that shape your experience. Through this process, you can begin to "de-translate" the stale "truths" you live by and open space for new psychological formations and forms of self-expression.
Marion Woodman once said, "There is no point talking about being true to yourself until you realise what voice you are being true to."
My approach to psychotherapy as talking therapy is grounded in psychoanalytic thinking. Psychoanalysis emphasises the role of the unconscious in shaping our thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. Psychoanalysis asserts, that our early experiences and relationships can have a lasting impact on our mental health in adulthood.
The way we connect with others and the world is often shaped by these early relationships. From a young age, we develop habitual patterns of relating to ourselves and others, which are deeply embedded in our language and often operate unconsciously. These patterns can drive our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours without us fully realising it.
Have you ever felt like words couldn't fully capture the complexity of your experiences?
Talking therapy provides space to explore these underlying patterns and uncover meanings behind them. By speaking freely about your thoughts, you may bring some unconscious contents into awareness, which in turn might bring a sense of relief from previously bothersome thoughts. Furthermore, your view of your past may change, which will have an impact on how you view the present and how you anticipate the future.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist candidate, a training member of the Association for Group and Individual Psychotherapy (AGIP). I hold a UKCP registration as a trainee psychotherapist, and I am fully insured. I work as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist under the supervision of senior psychoanalysts and am committed to ongoing professional development. I dhere to the AGIP Code of Ethics as well as the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
I also hold a British Psychological Society-accredited Master of Arts (MA) degree in psychology.
In addition to my private practice in the ~E20 East London area, I hold an honorary position at Strides Highbury Counselling Centre, where I work as a senior counsellor and assessment worker. I also collaborate with Samata Health, a mental health support provider for employees, and Rise Above the Disorder (RAD) Charity. Previously, I volunteered as a therapist with the Psychosis Therapy Project, providing individual talking therapy to clients diagnosed with psychosis.
My diverse experiences in mental health have fuelled my passion for psychoanalysis. I've worked with adults requiring psychiatric care, victims of domestic abuse, and young people involved in gang activity. Additionally, I managed a unit for adults with autism and complex needs, overseeing behaviour analysis and the implementation of a support philosophy framework.
Beyond mental health services, I've also worked in recruitment and career training. I managed a tech startup's government-backed kickstart scheme, designed to help young adults who became unemployed during the COVID pandemic. This role allowed me to combine my mental health expertise with my passion for creativity and entrepreneurship.
My practice primarily offers in-person psychotherapy, with hybrid and online options available upon consultation.
If you are seeking psychotherapy in East London, my ~E20 psychoanalytic psychotherapy practice is conveniently located near Stratford, Hackney, Leyton, and Dalston areas. The closest overground station is Hackney Wick, and Stratford Underground station is also nearby. Furthermore, Stratford International station, with connections via the Southastern high-speed line, offers fast connections to Kent. Please also enquire about any available openings in North London (N4).
contact me to schedule an initial complimentary 15-minute consultation and to enquire about fees and availability.
Videos
"The Strangerness Within" an animation
"What is Psychoanalysis?" series from Freud Museum
Articles
What is psychoanalysis? (by Agip)
A Psychoanalytic Exploration of Work of Louise Bourgeois-Trauma, Therapy and Catharsis
Quotes
Albert Camus "Return to Tipasa" (1954)
"In the depth of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the depth of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the depth of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
In the depth of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer."
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how psychotherapy works, or to arrange an appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you, and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 075 8530 8917 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 48 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
©Anna Sergent
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