Psychotherapy in East and Central London

Anna Batcheler | MSc Psychotherapy, UKCP, CTA

Hello and Welcome

I’m Anna, a UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA). I am qualified to masters level and have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field. I work in private practice in Central and East London with both individuals and couples.

Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with can be difficult. Please feel free to have a read through the information here and if you get the feeling I may be able to help, you can email me at annabatchelerpsychotherapy@gmail.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Introduction

I am a warm and passionate therapist, deeply committed to supporting my clients to overcome depression, heal from trauma, and improve their lives. My decision to train as a psychotherapist was driven by a desire to do my part to help alleviate human suffering and enable people to lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives, in less psychological pain. I believe that when we are genuinely listened to, understood, and supported, we are better able to connect with ourselves and find solutions to life’s challenges. The therapeutic relationship I offer provides a space in which this process can unfold in a safe and contained way.

Having experienced the profound benefits of therapy in my own life over many years, I was inspired to put my personal journey of growth and recovery to good use. Through my extensive and rigorous training at the Metanoia Institute, one of the UK’s most respected psychotherapy training organisations, I developed my skills, knowledge, and professional grounding and found that psychotherapy is my vocation. I feel privileged to do this work and I take it very seriously. I also have a great sense of humour and playfulness and bring this into my therapeutic work when it’s appropriate and of service to my clients.

“I’ve been to the bottom of fear and self loathing, and in all of that darkness, love came along, though I still know my way down to that basement, I leave it behind when I hear these songs, I leave it behind when I hear these songs”
“Just Like a River”, Old Man Leudecke, 2008

My Approach

My core training is in Transactional Analysis (TA), and my way of working is relational. In simple terms, this means that the relationship we build between us becomes an important part of the therapy itself. The way you and I relate to each other can offer valuable insights into the patterns that may show up in other areas of your life.

For example, you might notice that you pull away when relationships begin to feel close, worry about being judged, find it difficult to express anger, or maybe I remind you of someone important from your past. Rather than seeing these experiences as problems, we get curious about them together. We can explore them within the safety of therapy in a way you couldn’t do with other people in your life. This can give you a deeper understanding of yourself and lead to change.

You may hear me ask questions such as, “What’s happening between us right now?” or “What was it like for you when I said that?” These questions might seem a bit unusual at first, that’s completely fine. You’re always welcome to ask why I’m asking something, and I’ll explain my thinking. I don’t believe therapy should feel mysterious or one-sided. I’m not a ‘blank slate’ therapist who sits silently while you do all the talking. Therapy is a conversation. It’s a relationship.

Alongside TA, my work is informed by psychodynamic, gestalt, existential, and transpersonal approaches, allowing me to work flexibly with you, depending on who you are and what you are bringing.

Couples & Relationship Therapy

Alongside individual psychotherapy, I also work with couples and other relationships. Whether you’re experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, issues around trust or intimacy, or feeling disconnected from each other, the therapy I offer can provide a space to better understand what’s going on and find new ways of relating.

I believe that healthy, fulfilling relationships are central to our wellbeing, whether that be romantic partnerships, family relationships or friendships. Together, we’ll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, deepen your understanding of one another, and develop healthier ways of communicating. I am trained to work with Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) and offer an affirming, inclusive, and non-judgemental space for clients from LGBTQIA+ communities, including those in diverse relationship structures.

What to Expect

All sessions are weekly and 50 minutes. The regularity and consistency is an important aspect of building a safe therapeutic relationship and for the effectiveness of the therapy.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, explore what has brought you and to see if we feel like a good ‘fit’.We’ll also discuss the practical aspects of working together, including fees, confidentiality, and the cancellation policy.

I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy. Together, we’ll consider which approach is most appropriate for your needs and we can keep reviewing as our work develops.