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

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.

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.

Qualifications

• MA in Psychosocial Studies - University of East London

• PgDip in Counselling - University of West London

• Foundation in Psychotherapy and Counselling - NSPC

• BSc Psychology - Middlesex University