“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.”

- Anna Freud

A Space for Understanding

My name is Petya Milcheva, and I am a Psychologist and Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 12 years of clinical experience in the NHS, the public sector, and in private practice, both in the UK and internationally. I accept clients in person or remotely in my practice in Central London, Fitzrovia.

I am experienced in supporting clients who face complex emotional challenges - relationship problems, developmental and transgenerational trauma, psychosomatic symptoms, immigration and trans-cultural issues of identity and belonging, LGBTQ+.

I view anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, numb or disconnected as your mind and body's attempt to deal with experiences that feel too hard to talk about. I offer a safe and reflective space to face the unspeakable, find your voice, your inner strength and start telling your story with words rather than with symptoms or hurtful repetitive patterns.

How I Work

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is tailored to your needs rather than following a fixed structure. It aims to understand the roots of a symptom instead of simply managing it. In our sessions, I will support you work through complicated emotions and revisit past experiences that silently continue to shape your present. It is a process of becoming the author of your life and of your happiness.

Academic Background:

I completed my advanced psychotherapy training at the Tavistock Centre, London - Inter-cultural psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults. I have a strong clinical background as a Psychologist (BA Hons) and Clinical psychologist - psychoanalytic perspective (MA) from NBU, Sofia, followed by a PGDip with Merit in Foundations of psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Tavistock Centre and The University of Essex.

Alongside my clinical practice, I have engaged in academic research on early relational dynamics and developmental trauma. My published work explores how early perceptions of parental acceptance or rejection influence adult relational patterns and emotional wellbeing—specifically focusing on female survivors of domestic violence (Koltcheva & Milcheva, 2023). 

I am a full member of British Psychoanalytic Council, Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists, and Bulgarian Psychotherapy Association. Currently, I am a Candidate in Psychoanalysis in London.

Next Steps

I offer a free initial video call (10–15 minutes), evening and Saturdays appointments. Information about booking and pricing is available via the Fast Booking button.

"It is a joy to be hidden, and a disaster not to be found."

- Donald Winnicott

Crisis & Emergency Disclaimer

Please note that this practice does not provide emergency, crisis, or immediate drop-in support. If you or someone you know is in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services or reach out to dedicated support organizations:

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7 helpline)

Mind support line: 0300 102 1234 (open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays) or visit mind.org.uk

NHS Emergency: Call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.