Dr. Olesya Ovchinnikova

I’m a psychologist specialised in integrative body-oriented approaches to psychotherapy.

I’m trained in Bodynamic Somatic Psychology and Analysis System (Amsterdam, Netherlands), as well as at Chiron Association for Body Psychotherapists (London, UK). I’m also skilled in Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (Saj Razvi), Relational Trauma Therapy (Merete Holm Brantbjerg), Somatic Trauma Therapy (Babbette Rothschild), Polyvagal-Informed Therapy (Deb Dana) and Brainspotting (David Grand).

My approach is body-oriented, it emphasizes that our being and deep patterns of behaviour are held in the body. As a therapist, I stay present with a core aspect of the mind – “the embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information”. Our ability to develop psychosomatic disorders is based on our ability to not pay attention to the sensory information coming up from our bodies, this skill is also known as dissociation.

In the approach I practice the verbal exchange between client and therapist is enhanced by experiential work with movements and bodily sensations. This non-verbal part of body-oriented approach allows to get in contact with unconscious psychological patterns that was blocked, forgotten, or never integrated.

Looking beyond somatic emotional awareness through the physical senses, I embark with my clients on a journey into the metaphorical and relational level of the unconscious psyche as it unfolds in the soma.

Therapeutic exploration of movement, sensation and breath, as these embodied experiences presenting in the moment, can bring people into deeper attunement with their “neuroception” and capacity to self- and co-regulate. Embodied presence opens connection to symbolism, thoughtforms, emotions, and unconscious energetic charge that the body holds.

I have been active in the field of psychology, therapy and group facilitation for 15 years. I have been lucky enough to be able to work independently as well as to contribute to teams of a trauma clinic and a luxury rehab. My work is personalised to reflect the uniqueness of each individual, drawing upon a range of models and techniques including Internal Family Systems, Structural Dissociation Model, Depth Psychology, psychodynamic and attachment-orientated approaches.

I have experience resolving persistent mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, intrusive thoughts, anger management, dissociation, difficulties with emotional regulation and addiction. With mixed ethnic heritage and varied expatriate experience I consider the specific impact of multicultural, intergenerational and social factors on people’s lives, and feel comfortable working with issues of diversity, shame, identity. My therapeutic stance is relational and experiential, offering a space for transformation and healing.

I offer therapy in English, Italian and Russian.