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Dr Polina L Lukanova

(She/Her)

Counselling psychologist

London, WC1A 2DA

Verified therapist

About me

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself, therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who you are and what you need. As a Counselling Psychologist, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to support you in your healing and growth. I believe that every therapeutic relationship is unique, and I’ll tailor our work to suit your individual needs and preferences. My training includes person-centred, relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural (CBT) frameworks. I also work from a trauma-informed perspective, holding awareness of the deep and often complex impact trauma can have—on your sense of self, your relationships, and how safe the world feels. My clinical experience, along with personal insight into trauma, helps me bring compassion, sensitivity, and steadiness into our work. I’ve worked across a range of settings including non-profits, public services, and private practice. I have experience supporting people with issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, bereavement, attachment and relational difficulties, ADHD, and chronic nightmares. How I Can Help I offer both short- and long-term counselling for a range of emotional and psychological difficulties. My aim is to provide a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and experiences at your own pace. I work from an empathic and culturally sensitive stance, always considering how your background, identity, and life context influence how you feel, think about yourself, and relate to others. I believe that self-awareness is at the heart of meaningful change, and our work together will reflect that. To support this, I draw on: Psychodynamic Therapy – to explore how early experiences and unconscious processes may be shaping your present patterns, thoughts, and behaviours. Schema Therapy – where appropriate, to identify long-standing beliefs and coping styles. Techniques such as imagery and chair work can gently help shift these patterns and foster emotional resilience. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to help you connect with your values and build psychological flexibility. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to challenge unhelpful thoughts and support more adaptive ways of thinking and responding. Our sessions will be collaborative and responsive to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work towards greater self-understanding, emotional clarity, and a stronger sense of wellbeing and personal growth. I offer therapy in person as well as online. If you're curious about working together, please get in touch. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. If you’re happy to continue, we’ll agree on a suitable day and time, and arrange to meet weekly or fortnightly—depending on the level of support you’re looking for.

6 years

 of experience

Speaks

 English

Type of sessions available

In person

By phone

Online

Areas of expertise

Anxiety

Interpersonal relationships

Family issues

Trauma

Bereavement

Affairs/betrayals

Divorce

OCD

Emotional abuse

Burnout/Work-Related Stress

Autism/Asperger's

ADHD

Fees

Average session fee:

£150.00

Fee structure

I also offer a limited number of concessionary rates for individuals who may not be able to afford the full fee. These spaces are currently full, but I’m happy to add you to the waiting list if needed.

My working schedule

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

Therapy offered

Person-centred/humanistic

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

Psychodynamic

Relational

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Schema therapy

Client groups

Icon Adults

Adults

Icon Couples

Couples

Icon Adolescents

Adolescents

Training and qualifications

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology - University of Roehampton 2018-2022 Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology (City University 2017-2018) MSc Psychology (University of Westminster 2015-2017) BSc. (Hons) Additional training: Primary Certificate in Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (BPS London) Primary Certificate in Stress Management (BPS London) Awareness in Bereavement Care Level 2 (Ascentis accredited) Mindfulness Diploma Course (Centre for Excellence) Individual Schema Therapy (International Society of Schema Therapy) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Trauma & Attachment Summit (2020) A Day on the Mind and Body Connection (2020) Third Wave Psychotherapy (2020) Trauma & Attachment – Interpersonal Neurobiology and the Traumatic Transference (2021) The psychological and physiological repercussions of complex trauma: essential information (2021)

Verified professional membership

HCPC (Practitioner psychologist)

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