Julie Gosheva is a therapist in W9, London and online


What attracted you to become a therapist?

I was a sensitive child who experienced a lot of early loss and separation, alongside two big moves across three continents. I have lived experience of mental health struggles and feelings of not belonging, so my interest in the human psyche began as an effort to make sense of this. 

As I navigated my own recovery, I felt fascinated by the ways my mind was changing, and the way this, in turn, was changing my life. I felt a deep calling to share what I’ve learned, and to walk with others on a similar path. I am constantly amazed by the resilience of the human spirit.


Where did you train? 

I trained at the Minster Centre in North West London, which was founded in 1978 as the first integrative training programme in the UK. Its founders were influential in establishing the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy), and setting up training standards for therapists. The training places particular emphasis on practical learning, the importance of relationships, working with difference and intersectionality, and working with the body.


Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise? 

I feel each person needs something unique from therapy, so I was drawn to the integrative approach, allowing me to creatively combine a variety of techniques according to the needs of the client. For instance, we may explore the impact of early life, we may work with unconscious material, we may look at the social and cultural environment, and we may work directly with emotions in the body.

A key pillar of my approach is working relationally. In my experience, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest predictors of success, so this is something I keep a close eye on. 

I also strive to be affirmative and anti-oppressive. I believe therapy has a role to play in addressing societal problems, so I respect my clients’ autonomy, and aim to be sensitive to their sociocultural needs. 


How does your type of therapy help with issues of loneliness, intimacy, and connection?

This is a deeply emotional and vulnerable experience, so I would want to give space to the client’s emotional state as priority. Many people have not had their feelings properly witnessed and acknowledged, and often this alone can bring relief. We may look at relevant history to help the client understand how their issue has developed, and consider the wider societal context which might be contributing to it. Connecting the dots can also be very empowering. 

We may then explore what the client can do to access the connections they are wanting. The therapeutic relationship can be an opportunity to observe their relational habits and blind spots, and practice alternative ways of relating.


What sort of people do you usually see?

I work with people from many different walks of life, and many different identities. I actively welcome clients from marginalised groups. 

I do not currently see people under 18, couples, or families, however this is likely to change in the future.


Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude? 

My sense is that with increased access to information about global events, and platforms for us to discuss this, people are becoming more aware and invested in issues of socioeconomic oppression and injustice. More people are feeling called to learn about and try to resolve these. I think this mirrors an internal process of finding resolve to address issues of power and injustice within one’s own life. 

At the same time, this is very overwhelming, and we are not taught about how to look after ourselves and work together. Burnout is increasingly common. We don’t have many examples of effective conflict resolution, and many leaders perpetuate divisive and binary attitudes. There is an urgent need to slow down, practice compassion, and find creative ways to live inter-dependently. Therapy can help with this.


What do you like about being a therapist?

Practicing therapy is a huge privilege. Each client is a world unto themselves, which I am invited to explore. I learn so much from every single client, each one a unique way of being human in the world. My mind and heart are constantly expanded, which makes my own capacity for living and feeling grow bigger and bigger.


What is less pleasant?

Entering a person’s world and meeting them emotionally requires strong internal boundaries and self-care. Working ethically requires me to be very honest and responsible about where I am in my own mental health. It requires a great deal of courage, wisdom, and rest, which is a lifelong practice. It’s also why I chose this profession.


How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us? 

I am relatively new to Welldoing, it was recommended to me by a supervisor a couple of months ago. I appreciate its focus on community, continuous learning, and sharing resources between peers. I value the chance to introduce myself to clients and colleagues, and to have discussions on important issues.


What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients? 

One of my favourite books is All About Love by bell hooks – a warm and accessible reflection on possibly the most important topic – love. hooks shows us there is no clear distinction between the personal and political when it comes to intimate connection.

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown is an absolute treasure trove – a mapping of 87 emotions and experiences that make us human – for anyone who struggles to name and feel their emotions.

Queering Psychotherapy by Jane C. Czyzselska is one I’d recommend to any colleagues looking to become more queer affirmative. It is presented in a conversational/interview format, which is very engaging and readable.

I rarely recommend books to clients, as my role is mainly in the room, unless they ask for a book, or I happen to know a book that feels uniquely relevant.


What you do for your own mental health? 

Great question! Creative journalling has transformed my mental health more than any other activity. I also feel very enlivened by painting, and walking in nature restores my sense of perspective. 

I’m grateful to be able to lean into my support network, which includes my therapist. I try to actively look for evidence of human kindness and ingenuity, and I let myself cry and start again when I need to.


You are a therapist in Maida Vale, West London. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

I work with creatives, professionals, and students, with varying cultural backgrounds and emotional concerns. I feel my clients really value and respect the work we do, and it is a pleasure working with them. The area is quiet, with wide residential streets, and plenty of trees.


What’s your consultation room like?

I practice at the Institute of Psychoanalysis, where multiple rooms are shared between several practitioners. The rooms are similar in layout, including two chairs, a small table, and a ‘couch’ (which I rarely use, as I don’t practice classical analysis). Cushions, blankets, and water are available, and the space is decorated with art and plants. Most rooms have natural light. They are designed to be comfortable, functional, and free from distractions. My clients have commented on the calming atmosphere in the rooms and the building as a whole.


What do you wish people knew about therapy?

Therapy is, above all, a relationship. What you get out of your therapy will largely depend on how good of a team you and your therapist are, and how well you can work together in service of your best interests. A good client-therapist relationship will allow your painful, uncomfortable material to come up, to be observed without judgement, for you to think and feel freely, and discover the choices you have about who you want to be.

Many of us were made to feel we should get rid of some aspect of ourselves that feels unmanageable, or to stop feeling certain emotions. In my experience, this is not possible. The therapy I practice seeks to support clients to build a kinder and closer relationship with the hurt and chaotic parts of themselves, to hear and understand what they have to say, and to give them what they need. It is when we let ourselves be, that we can change.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

So many things! Being well is about consistency, there is no quick fix, we must commit to ourselves for life. We cannot and should not be expected to do this alone. I am not alone, even when it seems I am, there are others feeling the same way. The ones I need, need me.


Contact Julie here

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