Renata Ritchie

How I work:
For many years, I have worked with young children, particularly those with additional emotional needs, in the context of a primary school. This work has given me insight into the development of the young mind, the challenges we encounter as we grow, and the ways we cope and adapt. As adults, we may find ourselves repeating patterns that began early in life and once helped us navigate the world, but may no longer serve us. Perhaps this is also why you are here.

As a therapist, I am curious about how our inner and outer worlds interact, and how our past experiences and relationships, alongside the wider social and cultural environment, shape who we are. I pay attention to conflicts that can arise when certain needs, feelings or wishes cannot find direct expression, but may instead emerge in ways that are difficult to understand and can leave us feeling stuck or confused.

I aim to create a welcoming space where you can bring any part of yourself and have it met with curiosity and compassion. As we get to know each other, we can begin to notice often unconscious patterns and explore what lies beneath them.
Psychodynamic therapy is non-directive. Rather than telling you what to do, my role is to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotional world. Through this process, you can develop greater confidence in making choices that feel right for you.

My experience:
I have volunteered at The Listening Place, an organisation supporting adults experiencing suicidal ideation and families affected by suicide, and undertaken clinical training in a community organisation as part of my qualification at Birkbeck. I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and issues which include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, adoption, domestic violence, identity, substance misuse, intercultural and cross-generational issues. My particular interests include anticipatory and ambiguous loss and chronic illness.

Practical information:
I work in person in Haggerston and online. The work is primarily open-ended, but time-limited therapy can also be accommodated where appropriate.

I offer a 20-minute initial phone consultation, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether you would like us to work together. My fee is £70 per 50-minute session.

Please feel free to contact me directly by email at renataritchietherapy@gmail.