Alina Lukawska

Relationships - with ourselves and with others - are central to my work. Within relationships, people create a shared emotional space that can offer deep connection and fulfilment, as well as conflict and distress. A safe, contained therapeutic space allows us to slow down and think together about what each person brings into the relationship, fostering greater understanding, communication, and emotional connection.

I am a psychotherapist offering therapy to individuals and couples in Chiswick, South West London, as well as online across the UK.

I trained at the internationally renowned Tavistock Relationships, where I completed a Â鶹ԭ´´â€‘accredited clinical qualification in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. I currently work there as a visiting clinician.

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´) and the Tavistock Relationships Association for Psychotherapists and Counsellors (TRAPC), and I practise in accordance with their ethical and professional standards.

I welcome clients of all backgrounds, including people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

I offer face‑to‑face and online psychodynamic psychotherapy for couples and individuals. My work is based on the understanding that meaningful change develops through insight into the emotional and unconscious patterns that shape our relationships, behaviours and inner experiences.

Working with Couples

In couples therapy, we explore the emotional histories, attachment experiences and unconscious dynamics each partner brings to the relationship. Difficulties that feel repetitive or unresolved are often linked to unmet needs or long‑standing relational patterns formed earlier in life. Together, we work to deepen emotional awareness, improve communication and repair, foster mutual understanding and support greater intimacy. My aim is to help you understand not only what happens between you, but why, so new ways of relating can emerge.

Working with Individuals

Individual therapy offers a confidential and supportive space to reflect on both clearly identified concerns and feelings that may be harder to name. We explore emotional responses, recurring patterns and internal conflicts that influence how you relate to yourself and others. The work unfolds at your own pace, supporting greater self‑understanding over time.

Areas I Work With

Relationship difficulties and separation, infidelity and trust issues, intimacy and sexual concerns, jealousy, communication problems, parenting challenges, anxiety, low self‑esteem, bereavement and loss, trauma, life transitions, family relationships, and persistent feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed.

Approach

My approach is psychodynamic, informed by attachment‑based perspectives, with a focus on how past experiences shape present relationships.

Practical Information

Sessions are 50 minutes.

Individual sessions from £80.

Couple sessions from £100.

I offer a free 15‑minute introductory phone call, followed by a 75‑minute assessment session.

Before We Meet

When you first get in touch, I offer a free 15‑minute phone conversation. This is not a therapy session, but an opportunity for us to talk briefly about what has led you to seek therapy, for you to ask any questions, and for us to consider whether working together feels right. There is no obligation to continue - this conversation is simply a way of getting a sense of one another.

Initial Consultation

If we decide to proceed, we will arrange an initial consultation lasting 75 minutes. This extended first session allows time to explore your concerns in more depth and to begin building an understanding of your situation without feeling rushed.

For Individuals

I will want to gain a sense of what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life, the difficulties or patterns you may be struggling with, and what you are hoping might change. We may also talk about your personal history, relationships, and significant experiences that feel relevant. There is no expectation to cover everything at once - you are invited to share at your own pace what feels important.

For Couples

With couples, I aim to understand how each partner experiences the relationship and what you are both hoping to gain from coming to therapy. We will look at what has prompted you to seek help now, the patterns you notice between you, and aspects of your relationship history. Both partners will have space to speak, and I work carefully to ensure that each perspective is heard and respected.

What to Expect

The consultation is a chance for us to get to know one another and to begin making sense of the difficulties you bring. I may ask questions, but there will also be space for you to focus on what matters most to you. Feeling nervous is very common, especially at the beginning. My aim is to offer a safe  and non‑judgmental environment where you can speak openly.

Next Steps

If we agree to continue, we will arrange regular weekly sessions of 50 minutes, either face to face or online via Zoom.