Psychologist

About Olesya – Hi, I am Olesya, a psychologist (MSc, PhD) specialized in integrative body-oriented approaches. I am trained in the Bodynamic Somatic Psychotherapy and Analysis System (Amsterdam, Netherlands), and at Chiron Association for Body Psychotherapists (London, UK). I am a member of the FSP (Federation of Swiss Psychologists) and EABP (European Association for Body Psychotherapy).

I am also trained in Relational Trauma therapy (Merete Holm Brantbjerg), Somatic Trauma Therapy (Babette Rothschild), Polyvagal-Informed Therapy (Deb Dana) and Brainspotting. Dr David Grand, through his work practising Somatic Experiencing (SE) and EMDR, developed Brainspotting, an approach that integrates these two types of therapy. These gentle, body-based, and highly effective methods allow the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) to process its response to shock and persistent stress. This is how we can recover from past experiences and manage present experiences in a more robust, healthier manner.

Many of the changes we seek to bring about in our professional and personal lives often seem beyond our conscious control. We may be aware of what needs changing, but often we do not know how to tackle the problems accompanying the search for transformation. Somatic therapy emphasizes that our being and deep behaviour patterns are held in the body. Thus, experiential work with movements, proprioception and interception can enhance verbal processing between client and therapist. This non-verbal part of body-oriented therapy allows the transformation of unconscious psychological patterns that were blocked, forgotten, or never integrated. The somatic approach goes beyond cognitive processing – focusing on posture, movement, breathing, intention, and embodied self-awareness in contact. It allows accessing unconscious resources and support in overcoming challenges.

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

You may come to see me because past events marked your relationships with yourself and the world, or your present life triggers difficult emotional reactions which pose interpersonal or professional challenges, or simply because you want to improve your well-being and get out of life more than you currently do. I have experience resolving persistent mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, intrusive thoughts, anger management, self-harming, dissociation, difficulties with emotional regulation and addiction.

Psychological counselling and therapy can provide a safe transformational opportunity to explore and heal what is difficult in your life. My role is to offer you a confidential and non-judgmental space for understanding, processing and learning how to manage unresolved, often conflicting feelings, thoughts and actions which impact the quality of your life and relationships.

With mixed ethnic heritage and varied expatriate experience, I consider the specific impact of multicultural, intergenerational and social factors on people’s lives and I feel comfortable working with issues of diversity, shame, and identity. My therapeutic stance is relational and experiential, offering a space for transformation and healing. I provide consultations in three languages: English, Italian and Russian.