Avis Underwood
Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
London
As a fully qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and create meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about exploring the roots of your thoughts and emotions, then I can help. I provide a safe environment where you can explore yourself and your feelings more fully.
About Me
Before retraining as a psychotherapist, I worked in various roles across the arts and cultural industries, both in the UK and abroad. These experiences enriched my understanding of people, perspectives, and transitions—insights that continue to shape my work as a therapist.
Spending several years living and working in different environments also deepened my awareness of ‘culture shock’—the disorientation that can come with change, whether geographical, professional, or personal. I bring this understanding into my practice, helping clients explore feelings of displacement, identity shifts, and the emotional impact of life transitions.
I began my training with WPF Therapy, which is accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I finished and qualified at the British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF), one of the leading psychotherapy training organisations accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).
I am a member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling (FPC) and comply with the professional and ethical standards and the requirement for further professional development and supervision as stated by the BPC and UKCP.
My consulting rooms are in London Bridge.
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Therapy provides a space to reflect, understand yourself and navigate life’s challenges. You may be facing a difficult situation, feeling stuck, or noticing patterns in your life that you’re ready to change. Whatever has brought you here, taking the step to speak with a therapist can help you gain clarity and create meaningful change.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on exploring the connections between your past and present. By understanding how earlier experiences shape your current feelings, behaviours and relationships, we can uncover recurring patterns and work towards greater self-awareness and growth.
Together, we’ll work at your pace in a safe and thoughtful environment, exploring your thoughts and feelings to help you approach challenges differently and relate to others in new ways. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or unresolved trauma, psychodynamic psychotherapy can support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.
Psychotherapy can help you dealing with many different feelings, emotions and behaviours, including:
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Low self-esteem
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Depression
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Grief and bereavement
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Making sense of the past
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Stress and anxiety
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Relationship issues
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Divorce
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Panic attacks
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Coping with a traumatic event
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Unhealthy patterns of behaviour
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Sexual identity concerns
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Infertility
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Feelings of isolation
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Feeling unfulfilled
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Abuse
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Bullying
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Anger issues
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Self-harm
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Risk-taking behaviours
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Trouble sleeping and insomnia
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Eating disorders
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Suicidal thoughts
What to Expect and Fees
Beginning therapy can be daunting. The first step is to meet for an initial consultation, which is free. We will use this time to discuss what has brought you to therapy, for me to learn more about you and for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy and how I work. The initial consultation will help you to get a good feel for what it would be like for us to work together.
Short-term or Open-ended Therapy
I offer two ways of working.
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On a short-term basis (usually 12-weeks) where we would focus on a specific issue or goal
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On an open-ended basis which allows for a more extensive exploration of deep-rooted issues
Session Times
If we agree to work together then we will arrange a weekly session time. Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
This time is held for you, so missed and cancelled sessions are payable in full, even if you give notice that you cannot attend. You will not be charged for sessions that I cancel and I aim to provide a few weeks notice for any cancelled appointments.
In-person or Online
I work in private practice from rooms near London Bridge station or online.
Fees
These are my standard fees.
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Initial consultation - free
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Fees are between £65-85 per session, depending on income.
If you would like to book an initial consultation or have any questions then please contact me by email or telephone.
Contact Me
Phone
Address
1B - Building 7
Maidstone Buildings Mews
72-76 Borough High Street
London SE1 1GD