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 feel 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, bereavement and loss, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviours. I aim to accommodate you by creating a safe and containing therapeutic space, where we can work towards a better understanding of your inner world, your needs, current situations, and desired outcomes.

Life affects everyone differently, our responses to challenges are not identical either – one of the reasons why therapy is highly individual. It is also a space where we can 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. I believe that this can mainly be achieved by making the unconscious conscious, and by building a supportive and trustworthy therapeutic relationship.

Everyone faces a challenge with their mental health at some point in their life. I intend to provide a confidential, empathetic, open-minded, respectful, and non-judgemental environment. Through analytic work, a link between past experiences and behavioural patterns can be made, which can provide us with clarity and insights about alternative approaches to life.

I am in my second year of 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 and online.

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

Educational Background & Professional Registrations:

• BA (Hons) – Philosophy, Politics and History, Birkbeck, University of London
• Introduction to Counselling – Cert., Birkbeck, University of London
• MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy – Birkbeck, University of London – ongoing
• BACP Student Member
• Mental Health First Aid and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills)
• Hold a Valid Insurance