Anja Trenkle

There are times in everyone’s life when it’s difficult to solve our problems on our own. We may find that our difficulties are more persistent and deep-seated in some way, and that there is a nagging sense of something not being right. We may feel trapped in particular behaviours and addictions, wonder why our relationships always seem to be taking the same course, or why we’re not achieving our potential. We may find it difficult to manage our anger, feel depressed, anxious, lacking in self-esteem and confidence, struggling with questions about life and love, finding it difficult to make decisions, or may feel unsettled by a particular event, crisis or traumatic situation. People come to therapy for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes somebody just comes, without knowing what exactly may be upsetting them, and the reason for seeking help only becomes clear as the work progresses.

As a psychotherapist and counsellor with more than twenty years experience, I have worked with the majority of problems people can experience in life. I have seen clients in a wide range of different contexts both in the public and private sector, and have worked with people from all walks of life, from corporate executives to people from the Creative Arts and Media to clients from very disadvantaged backgrounds.

My therapy sessions are designed to increase your confidence and to develop a better sense of who you are and to assist you in your journey towards growth and healing in a safe and confidential environment. My approach is down to earth and relaxed and I aim to create an environment where you can express yourself freely, and explore your difficulties from a spirit of curiosity and playfulness.

My roots are in psychodynamic psychotherapy. Over time, my work has expanded to include somatic and trauma-focused approaches. I completed a three-year training in Somatic Experiencing®, a body-based approach to the healing of stress and trauma, and I am also trained in standard EMDR, attachment-focused EMDR and the Flash Technique. These approaches increasingly find their way into how I work, allowing me to move flexibly between insight-based exploration and ways of supporting nervous system regulation.

At times, therapy may be a space for reflection and meaning-making. Allowing a space for our difficulties to be heard and witnessed can provide unexpected opportunities, which can open us to a deeper relationship with ourselves and the world around us.

At other times, the work may involve gently processing specific experiences that continue to shape the present, or paying closer attention to the story of your nervous system, noticing patterns of stress, protection or ease, and allowing space for these to shift.

Whilst therapy is neither a quick fix nor a magical cure, many people find it becomes a real investment in themselves, offering greater understanding, resilience and a sense of inner steadiness.

Experience

My work as a therapist has unfolded across many different settings over the years. I have worked within several counselling services across London, including Hammersmith and Fulham Mind, Wandsworth Bereavement Service and Drug and Alcohol Services for London (DASL), as well as spending time as a Senior Therapist at the London Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Before moving into full-time private practice, I spent 7 years working as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist at St Mungo's. Alongside offering individual psychotherapy to clients with often complex presentations, I also provided consultancy to a mental health project and facilitated reflective practice groups for staff teams. I have also co-authored a paper published in Psychodynamic Practice.

The initial session offers a gentle space to talk about what's bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. If we both feel that therapy would be helpful, we can then discuss how we might continue, including any practical details. Initial consultations, like ongoing sessions, usually last around 50 minutes and are charged at £90, which is my standard session fee. I also offer reduced fees for students and those on lower incomes.

I sometimes offer longer sessions (60-90 minutes) for EMDR therapy, where this feels appropriate, and we can discuss any adjustments to the regular fee if needed.

If you'd prefer, we can also arrange a brief, free introductory phone call to talk things through and cover any logistical questions before meeting.

Private Health Insurance

I am an approved provider for several private health insurers, including AXA Health, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, Aviva and BUPA Global. While my private work is often longer-term, insurance-funded work is typically time-limited.