Elena’s approach and qualifications 

Elena's approach is primarily Existential and Humanistic. The starting point of Existential Psychotherapy is the client's experience; Elena focuses on the individual's unique experience of themselves and the world, along with their meaning-making processes. We all have a natural inclination to find connections and make sense of life, but sometimes, in this process, connections are made between things that aren’t truly linked. These can become 'obstructive meanings' or 'knots.' In therapy, Elena works with clients to identify these knots, deconstruct them, and create healthier connections.

Elena's goal is to help clients craft a personal narrative that feels authentic and meaningful. She actively engages in the therapeutic process, offering fresh perspectives to guide clients in shifting their focus and exploring new ways of being.

When appropriate she incorporates bodywork to facilitate trauma healing and utilises inner child work to help clients become aware of their internal dialogues, fostering healthier self-relationships.

Elena offers counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples online and from our Blackheath clinic, serving clients from Greenwich, Lewisham, and across South East and Central London.

Narcissistic Abuse:

Elena specialises in working with survivors of narcissistic abuse and coercive control.

She has been supporting survivors in understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of narcissistic relationships, processing the trauma, rebuilding their sense of reality and self, and moving toward empowerment.

Working with Elena means that you will work with someone who truly understands the difficult dilemmas, confusion, and challenges of making sense and/or leaving narcissistic dynamics. This therapeutic relationship aims to be a safe place where clients can experiment with new ways of being, voice their needs and wants, validate their feelings, and express their thoughts without fear of judgment or disapproval.

Elena believes that while relationships can traumatise us, they also have the power to heal us, with the therapeutic relationship being a key example.

ADHD:

Whether self-diagnosed, seeking guidance through the diagnostic process, or already diagnosed, Elena works with individuals with ADHD to help them understand their experiences of how ADHD shapes their lives. She explores the impact of growing up with (often undiagnosed) ADHD, and the ways it manifests in daily life. Alongside this exploratory work, Elena collaborates with clients to develop personalised strategies for managing symptoms, making sense of their experiences, and understanding the role ADHD has played in their life stories.

Relationship Therapy

Relationship therapy is for any important connection between two people, couples, family members, friends, or colleagues. These relationships can bring deep fulfilment but also tension, hurt, or misunderstanding.

Relationship therapy offers a space to explore patterns of relating, identify what the conflict is really about, and become more intentional in how we approach it, while strengthening communication.

Couples:

Elena works with couples by providing a supportive and open space where both partners can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Elena sees her role as a couples therapy as that of a facilitator who will help couples ensure that the other hears what they actually say and not what their defences make them hear and respond to. She uses practical communication techniques to ensure that the couples hear and respond to what has actually been said and she fosters clear, transparent communication in her sessions.

Betrayal Trauma:

Elena specialises in supporting individuals and couples impacted by betrayal trauma, including infidelity, secrecy, and breaches of trust. She helps clients navigate the intense emotional fallout of betrayal, shock, grief, anger, confusion, and the destabilisation of one’s sense of safety and reality.

Her work focuses on making sense of the traumatic impact of betrayal on both the individual and the relationship, while creating space for clients to explore their needs, boundaries, and choices going forward. The therapeutic space offers validation, clarity, and the possibility of restoring a sense of self, trust, and agency.

Elena understands that betrayal trauma can feel profoundly isolating, and she provides a safe, compassionate environment where clients can process their pain, rebuild stability, and begin to consider the future with greater strength and self-awareness.

Single Session Therapy

Single Session Therapy is designed for those who want focused support without committing to ongoing sessions. It can be helpful when facing a pressing concern, needing clarity about a decision, or wanting a safe space to reflect on a specific issue.

For individuals, it offers the chance to explore a challenge, gain perspective, and leave with greater insight and direction.

For couples, a longer two-hour session creates space to address relationship dynamics, communication struggles, or a particular dilemma. The aim is not to “solve everything” in one meeting but to provide meaningful progress, practical strategies, and a sense of next steps.