Psychotherapist in Primrose Hill, London & Online | Alison Raphael

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming — leaving you anxious, exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or caught in patterns that are hard to change. You may be functioning, achieving, and coping, yet something inside no longer fits.

I'm Alison Raphael, a UKCP-registered psychotherapist with an MSc in Psychoanalytical Theory from UCL. I offer in-person therapy in Primrose Hill, London, and online across the UK, working with adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, low confidence, relationship difficulties, and periods of transition.

A Space to Understand Yourself More Deeply

Rather than focusing only on managing symptoms, therapy offers a chance to explore what lies beneath them. In a confidential, collaborative space, we look at the emotional patterns, relationships, and experiences shaping how you feel and relate to others — helping you build insight, self-awareness, and a greater sense of agency in your life.

Who I Work With

I work with adults facing:

Anxiety and persistent worry, including anxiety despite outward success

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or emotionally exhausted

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and self-criticism

Life transitions — career change, relationship change, bereavement, retirement, moving home

Feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of your direction (identity and sense of self)

Relationship difficulties and recurring patterns

Recovery from narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships

Emotional difficulties with physical symptoms that feel hard to manage

My Approach

My approach is warm, thoughtful, and non-judgmental. I integrate psychoanalytic thinking with body-based approaches — including Somatic Experiencing for trauma and, where appropriate, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — so that our work addresses both the psychological and physical sides of what you're experiencing. (Link to a dedicated Trauma Therapy page here for anyone who lands here specifically looking for trauma support.)

Getting Started

Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you're already overwhelmed. You don't need to have everything figured out — just a sense that something isn't right, or that you want to understand yourself more deeply. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.

"It is a joy to be hidden, but disaster not to be found." — D. W. Winnicott

Trauma Therapy Page (Somatic Experiencing)

Trauma Therapy in London & Online | Somatic Experiencing — Alison Raphael

I offer trauma-focused therapy for adults processing difficult or overwhelming experiences — whether from a single event or from prolonged, relational trauma. Sessions take place in Primrose Hill, London, or online across the UK.

A Body-Based Approach to Trauma

Trauma isn't only held in the mind — it's held in the nervous system. I incorporate Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach that works directly with how trauma is stored physically, alongside talking therapy and nervous-system regulation techniques. This combination allows us to process difficult material safely, at a pace that feels manageable, rather than only discussing it intellectually.

What This Work Can Help With

Together, we work to:

• Understand how trauma affects the mind and body

• Process difficult memories and experiences safely, at your own pace

• Reduce hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance

• Release stored tension and stress held in the body

• Rebuild a sense of safety and trust

• Reconnect with a stable, grounded sense of self

Training & Credentials

I hold Certified Clinical Trauma Professional status (Evergreen Certifications) and have trained in Somatic Attachment work and Somatic Experiencing. I'm a UKCP-registered psychotherapist with an MSc in Psychoanalytical Theory from UCL.

Complementary Approaches

Where appropriate, I may also integrate Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) — a brief, body-focused approach involving focused attention and tapping on specific points on the body — to support a greater sense of calm alongside the deeper reflective work.

Is This Right for You?

You don't need a single identifiable "trauma event" for this work to help. Prolonged stress, difficult relationships, or a persistent sense of hyper-vigilance or disconnection can all be addressed through this approach. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and talk through whether this feels like the right fit.