Psychotherapy for
couples and individuals
“It is a joy to be hidden but a disaster not to be found”
About me - Dr Elena Panagiotopoulou
I am a highly qualified and experienced academic and psychotherapist specializing in both individual and couple psychodynamic psychotherapy. With extensive academic and clinical training, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice.
Education and Training
My 3-year clinical training, specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy for couples and individuals, was undertaken at Tavistock Relationships (TR) and is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I also hold a PhD in Psychodynamic Neuroscience from UCL, which was fully funded by the British Economic and Social Council (ESRC) and Neuropsychoanalysis Association (NPSA). Prior to that, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, as well as two funded MSc degrees in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, also at UCL.
Current roles
ICurrently, I am a Visiting Clinician at Tavistock Relationships, where I provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples. Alongside this, I run my private practice. In addition to my clinical work, I have a full-time academic role at University College London (UCL) and the Anna Freud, where I serve as Programme Director of the MSc in Early Child Development and Clinical Applications and, also, conduct research within the Anna Freud Lab of Experiences and Adjustments in Parenthood (LEAP), investigating parenthood experiences and adjustment processes. My research has been published in national and international journals, including Nature Scientific Reports, Current Biology and British Journal of Psychiatry Open.
My approach
My practice is informed by a deep understanding of psychoanalysis, developmental psychology and neuroscience, ensuring a comprehensive and empathetic approach to therapy. In my clinical practice, I work with both couples and individuals, offering sessions in English and Greek. My multicultural background gives me a unique cultural sensitivity, enabling me to engage empathetically and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds.
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, drawing on theories and practices of psychoanalysis, is a type of talk therapy that helps people understand and work through deep-seated emotional issues. The main aim of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to uncover the hidden causes of emotional difficulties and bring them to light so that you can deal with them more effectively. It helps you explore your inner world and look at how past experiences may influence your current patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. This type of therapy can help you make lasting changes that improve your emotional wellbeing and your relationships.
Who is this type of therapy for?
Individuals:
- With emotional difficulties, such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, loneliness or emptiness;
- With relationship problems, whether with family, friends, or partners;
- Facing life transitions, such as separation, loss of a loved one, arrival of a baby, or career change;
This type of therapy is not only for individuals who face difficulties but also people who want to understand themselves better and seek personal growth and a greater sense of fulfilment.
Couples:
- Who feel stuck and unable to find solutions to their difficulties on their own.
Issues we can work through together in couples therapy include but are not limited to:
· Communication issues
· Intimacy issues
· Life transitions
· Parenting difficulties
· Infidelity
· Fertility issues
· Grief and loss
· Sexual difficulties
· Jealousy and trust issues
How do I practice?
Initial consultation
Choosing a therapist who is right for you, and you feel comfortable with, is crucial for successful psychotherapy treatment.
It is, therefore, essential to arrange a 60-minute initial consultation first, which will allow us to think together about your difficulties and what kind of ongoing help would be suitable for you. This will give you an idea of how I practice, as well as an opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns that you might have before committing to this form of therapy. The cost of this initial consultation is £100 for individuals and £120 for couples.
Ongoing work and fees
Should we decide to work together, I will suggest a structure for our ongoing sessions.
Length of sessions is 50 minutes.
I practice on a sliding scale depending on personal circumstances and frequency of sessions. Fees and all means of payment will be discussed and agreed during the initial consultation.
Confidentiality
All sessions and initial consultation remain confidential and I will not disclose any personal information to a third party without your permission.
Cancellation policy
Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, missed/cancelled sessions will be chargeable. This is because the slot offered to patients will be their time and, even if the session is cancelled, it will not be offered to another person or used for other purposes. However, where possible and with enough notice, I will endeavour to reschedule a session.