Yvonne Coughlan

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
I understand that deciding to come to therapy can feel daunting. My aim is to create a warm, safe and confidential space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, without judgement, and where there is time and space to explore what may be troubling you. I believe that feeling genuinely listened to and understood is an important part of the therapeutic process. I take time to get to know each person and understand their individual circumstances, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I have extensive experience working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including trainee psychotherapists and professionals working in the NHS, police, public services and corporate organisations. Whether you are going through a difficult period, struggling with relationships or work, or simply feel that something in your life needs to change, I offer a space to pause, reflect and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy can provide an opportunity to make sense of what you are experiencing, explore patterns that may be affecting you, and consider new ways of moving forward. My approach is collaborative and centred around you, your experiences and what you would like to achieve from therapy.
My background
I completed my MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies at University College London (UCL), before going on to complete a Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at WPF Therapy in London. I have worked as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist for over 20 years across the NHS, private and voluntary sectors. Throughout my career, I have continued my professional development, building on my psychodynamic training and broadening my knowledge and experience. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is at the heart of my work. I believe that exploring our past experiences and relationships can help us understand patterns in the present and create new possibilities for how we think, feel and relate to others. I have extensive experience working with trainee psychotherapists, both during their training and after qualification, as well as with professionals experiencing work-related difficulties such as stress and burnout. Sometimes what initially brings someone to therapy, such as difficulties at work, can open up a deeper exploration of earlier experiences, relationships and patterns that may continue to influence their lives. I have also undertaken additional training in Art Psychotherapy, group work, CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused approaches. Where appropriate, I draw on these approaches to complement my psychodynamic work and respond to each client’s individual needs. Alongside longer-term psychotherapy, I offer short-term, solution-focused counselling for organisations and employees, helping people work towards specific goals. My aim is to provide a warm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and supported.
I work primarily from a psychodynamic perspective, exploring how our past experiences and relationships can continue to influence how we think, feel and behave in the present. Therapy provides a confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore what is troubling you and begin to understand patterns that may be leaving you feeling stuck, anxious or unhappy. Together, we can look beneath the immediate difficulties and consider what may be contributing to them. I believe that every person is unique, and I tailor our work to your individual needs, circumstances and goals. For some, therapy may provide support through a difficult period; for others, it can offer an opportunity to explore longstanding concerns, relationships or experiences in greater depth.
  • Abuse
  • ADHD
  • Aging Concerns
  • Anger Management Therapy
  • Anxiety
  • Art Therapy
  • Attachment Theory
  • Autism
  • Boarding School Syndrome
  • Burnout
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Family Conflict
  • Family Systems
  • Interpersonal
  • Loss or Grief
  • Panic
  • Political Climate
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relationship / Marriage Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harming
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Problems
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues
  • Depth Therapy
  • Psychoanalytic
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Individuals
  • Fixed Term
  • Long Term (Face to Face)
  • Online Therapy
  • Short Term (Face to Face)
  • Telephone

Link to our site

Copy and paste the following code snippet in your website, where you want the link to be displayed, e.g. footer.
				
					<style>#therapyhubLink{display:block;background:#eceaf1;padding: 10px;max-width: 290px;margin: 15px 0;}</style><a id="therapyhubLink" href="https://www.londoncounsellingandtherapydirectory.co.uk/" target="_blank" title="London Counselling and Therapy Directory"><img style="width:100%" src="https://www.londoncounsellingandtherapydirectory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/London-Counselling-and-Therapy-Hub-WooCommerce-Logo.png" alt="I am a member of the London Counselling and Therapy Directory" /></a>