People come to therapy for many different reasons, not all of which can be articulated at first. You might have been struggling with particular thoughts, feelings or patterns of behaviour for some time and would like to find ways of thinking and feeling differently. Or it might be that a challenging moment in your life, such as a relationship breakdown, a loss or a decision you have to make, is forcing you to reflect on who you are and what you want and is prompting you to seek help. Or you might simply have the sense that things are not working, without quite knowing what it is that is making you feel this way. Whatever the reason, therapy will be an opportunity to explore these concerns and understand yourself and your relationships in new ways.
Why seek therapy?
What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
In psychoanalytic psychotherapy, we pay attention to the ways in which our particular histories affect us and shape our lives and choices, often on an unconscious level. Developing a sense of curiosity about what prompts you to seek therapy is an important part of the work. What is happening and where does it come from? Can things change? Therapy provides a space to think through these questions and the concerns they bring to light. We do this by listening together to whatever material you bring. This may include present and past difficulties, memories as well as dreams, fantasies and the stuff of everyday life even if it seems insignificant or nonsensical. It can be challenging – therapy can be a space for you to talk about things you’ve never been able to share before – but also surprising and enlivening and can open the door to long-lasting change.
About me
I hold a PhD in psychosocial studies from UCL and am currently in postgraduate clinical training at the Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (UKCP-accredited).
Alongside my private practice, I work as an honorary psychotherapist for a psychoanalytic service in the NHS and am the Clinical Placement Manager for a low-cost therapy service in North London.
​
I offer sessions in English as well as in German.
​
I abide by the Site's code of ethics as well as that outlined by the UKCP.
Fees
Fees are based on income and are agreed during the first meeting. I offer a limited number of reduced-fee places for those on low incomes. The initial consultation is free of charge.
Frequency and duration
The frequency and duration of the therapy vary from person to person. Often people come once or twice a week, sometimes more often. The work is open-ended and its duration different for each person. Once we agree to work together, I expect you to attend the sessions consistently. Sessions last for fifty minutes.
Location
My consulting rooms are in Finsbury Park, N4, and Brockley, SE4.
Areas covered
I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, including:
​
​​
-
Envy and jealousy
-
Gender identity (including transgender and non-binary)
-
Obsessions and obsessive thinking
-
Phobias and panic attacks
-
Post-traumatic stress
-
Relationship issues
-
Self-harm
-
Shame
-
Addiction
-
Anger
-
Anxiety
-
Bereavement and loss
-
Body image
-
Depression
-
Difficulties of productivity and creativity
-
Eating disorders
Contact
hanna.a.schaefer at gmail dot com
If you would like to make an appointment, or discuss an enquiry in confidence, contact me and I will try to get back to you within 48 hours.
​