Dr. Elena Panagiotopoulou, psychodynamic psychotherapist for individuals and couples.

A few words about me

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with specialised training in working with both individuals and couples. Bringing together a background in psychoanalysis and neuroscience, I offer an in-depth approach that connects emotional experience with the mind–body processes that shape it. I support individuals and couples through emotional and relationship challenges, as well as through major life transitions. My aim is to offer a safe, confidential, and creative space for honest self-exploration. I approach each person and relationship with empathy, openness, and sensitivity, welcoming people from all backgrounds. I work fluently in English and Greek.

I currently work as a Visiting Psychotherapist at Tavistock Relationships (TR) and also run a small private practice. Alongside my clinical work, I hold an academic and leadership role at UCL and the Anna Freud, where I lead a master’s programme and contribute to teaching and research. I feel incredibly fortunate to combine clinical practice with academic and research work, allowing each to continually inform and enrich the other. This integrative perspective is also reflected in my work as co-editor and author of the book ‘Perspectives on Early Parenthood and Infancy: A Psychoanalytic, Neuroscientific, Developmental and Cultural Dialogue’ published by Routledge in 2026. This volume offers a multidisciplinary exploration of conception, pregnancy, birth, infancy, and the parent–infant relationship, integrating psychoanalytic, neuroscientific, developmental, and cultural perspectives.

Current positions

Education and Training

  • Clinical Qualification in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Tavistock Relationships)

    3-year training accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

  • PhD Social Neuroscience (UCL)

    - Full scholarship from British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Neuropsychoanalysis Association (NPSA)

    - Supervised by Professor Katerina Fotopoulou and Professor Alessandra Lemma

  • MSc Cognitive Neuroscience (UCL)

    Full scholarship from British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Neuropsychoanalysis Association (NPSA)

  • MSc Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology (UCL and Anna Freud)

  • BSc (Honours) Psychology (UCL)

Memberships and Professional Development

  • Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

  • Graduate member of the Tavistock Relationships Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (TRAPC)

  • Weekly supervision at TR and privately

  • DBS-checked and professionally insured

Perinatal mental health and care. Infancy and parenthood.