Sasha Stramentov

Psychotherapy for teens, individuals and couples wanting to make sense of issues, feelings and understand recurring emotional and relationship patterns, not simply manage symptoms.

I have a psychodynamic psychotherapy training which is based on the principle that we take in and are informed by our early experiences and the relationships we see around us all which we then replicate in our own behaviours and ways of relating. Clients often come with a nagging sensation something they're doing isn't working well for them. We look at how past and present come together in your current emotional life which will make you conscious of your own behaviours and patterns. You then have the chance to discard the not so helpful elements and freedom in how you want to respond, relate and make choices  going forwards.

I have a particular interest in relationship related issues. I work with both individuals and couples who bring concerns ranging from intimacy, feeling lonely unseen or misunderstood, anxiety, depression, relationships (finding, maintaining, recovering from), emotional regulation, attachment and separation difficulties, peer, sibling, parent and friend issues, recurring interpersonal patterns, questions of identity and self-esteem, life transitions and change, the experience of living and working abroad, grief and loss.

I see couples wanting to improve their relationship, or for help deciding whether to stay together or to separate or for support weathering divorce and separation.

I help young people (age 11 up) navigate difficulties which might show up in the form of life events or relational difficulties. Sometimes they’re evident in the parent-child relationship. I offer a safe, confidential space to think, with guidance and support with parent sessions and one-to-one sessions for adolescents.

I believe we can’t open up to just anyone so a therapeutic ‘fit’ is vital.

How I start:

Following a first contact by email, we meet for an initial assessment consultation either online or phone. It’s an uncharged exploratory session for me to learn about you, understand what we would be working on and for you to consider what working with me feels like. After we’ll agree logistics for sessions but if working with me doesn’t feel right or what you’re bringing doesn’t match what I can offer I’ll try to recommend another therapist with suitable experience. 

How I work:

With young people it's one to one sessions for adolescents and (not in all cases) some parent sessions.

For work with adult individuals it’s generally a weekly session format with either a set number of sessions or open ended. 

It varies for couples. Some request weekly sessions, others might come with a crisis to work through on consecutive nights, some want ad-hoc or regular check ins. Occasionally couples return after an unexpected change or event has affected their relationship. 

Where I work: I have experience working in charities, NHS and local community counselling services. Currently I work privately face-to-face in Tunbridge Wells, London, Sevenoaks and online. ​

I start with an (uncharged) phone call or zoom session to meet you, gather background information and hear what bothers you. Generally by the end of the session we will have identified the scope of the work and developed a sense to our 'fit' for working together.