Yoana Handarcheva:

Trainee Psychodynamic Psychotherapist (BACP student member)

Past experiences can influence our thoughts and behaviour today, and how we relate to ourselves and others. Consequently, we may find ourselves stuck, confused, suffering, dissatisfied, perhaps lonely, and often not knowing why.

My name is Yoana Handarcheva, a Trainee Psychodynamic Psychotherapist working at the low-cost Counselling and Psychotherapy Services at HQ Therapy Rooms in Haggerston and Dalston, Hackney, London E8.

I have some experience with a diverse range of clients presenting various difficulties such as self-esteem, anxiety, depression, anger management, PTSD, grief, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviours. My aim is to accommodate you by creating a safe therapeutic space in which we can together work towards a better understanding of your inner world, your needs, current situations and desired outcomes.

Life affects everyone differently, and for that reason, our responses to challenges are not identical either. Therapy is highly individual, and it is a space where we discuss and explore the complexities of the unconscious – a core focus in Psychodynamic therapy.

Exploring the depths of the unconscious mind, which isn’t always directly accessible to us, is central to gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of oneself. My belief is that making the unconscious conscious can mainly be achieved by building a supportive and trustworthy therapeutic relationship.

I intend to provide a confidential, empathetic, open-minded, respectful, and non-judgemental environment. Through therapeutic work, a link between experiences and behavioural patterns can be made and possibly worked through.

I am completing an MSc Adult Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy degree at a London University. Passionate about human nature, I chose academic fields where exploring questions concerning the fundamentals of our existence, social arrangements, and the effects these have on our lives have been a main area of interest and research for me.

For the past eighteen months, I have volunteered as a peer support worker in a Mental Health Charity where I completed the following work: short (six to twelve weeks) and long-term (open-ended up to twelve months), online, by phone, in-person, one-to-one, and in group settings.

Available to work in person.

I aim to develop my professional skills and personal knowledge further by attending external Conferences, Professional Supervision, and personal therapy regularly.