I am Avis Underwood, a UKCP- and BPC-accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist based in London.
You might feel overwhelmed, self-critical, or caught in the same kinds of relationship patterns without knowing why. Perhaps you find yourself overthinking, feeling disconnected, or unsure what’s really wrong.
Psychodynamic therapy offers a space to slow down and explore what’s happening beneath the surface. Together, we can begin to understand the deeper influences shaping how you feel about yourself and others.
This isn’t about quick fixes, but about developing a deeper understanding of yourself over time. I offer a steady, reflective space where this work can unfold at a pace that feels manageable.
If you’re considering therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
About me
Before retraining as a psychotherapist, I worked in the arts and cultural industries in the UK and abroad. These experiences deepened my interest in identity, change, and the different ways people navigate pressure and transition.
Living and working in different environments also gave me an understanding of how disorienting change can feel—whether in relation to place, work, relationships, or a sense of self. I bring this awareness into my therapeutic work, supporting people who feel unsettled, stuck, or unsure of their direction.
I trained initially at WPF Therapy and went on to qualify at the British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF), where I gained extensive experience in psychodynamic practice.
I am a member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling (FPC), and accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I adhere to their professional and ethical standards and ongoing requirements for supervision and development.
You will also find me on Counselling Directory and welldoing.
If you’re considering therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?
You might find yourself feeling stuck, overthinking, or repeating the same patterns in relationships or in how you feel about yourself. At times, it may not be clear why things feel the way they do, even if on the surface life looks manageable.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a space to slow down and explore what may be happening beneath the surface. It focuses on the connections between past and present—how earlier experiences can shape your current feelings, relationships, and ways of coping.
Together, we would work at a pace that feels manageable, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and patterns as they emerge. Over time, this can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and begin to relate to yourself and others differently.
This kind of therapy isn’t about quick fixes, but about creating lasting change through insight and reflection.
People often come to this way of working when they are experiencing things like:
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feeling stuck or unable to move forward
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overthinking or feeling mentally overwhelmed
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repeating relationship patterns
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self-criticism or low self-esteem
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feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves
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anxiety or low mood
What to expect and fees
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to managing things on your own. It’s natural to feel uncertain about where to start.
The first step is an initial consultation. This is a space for us to think together about what has brought you to therapy, and for you to get a sense of how I work. You’re welcome to ask any questions, and there is no obligation to continue—it’s about seeing whether it feels like the right fit.
Ways of working
I offer both time-limited and open-ended therapy.
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Short-term work (typically around 12 sessions) can provide a space to begin thinking about a particular difficulty.
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Open-ended therapy allows for a deeper and more gradual exploration of underlying patterns and experiences over time.
Sessions
If we decide to work together, we will agree on a regular weekly session time. Each session lasts 50 minutes.
This time is reserved for you. Missed or cancelled sessions are therefore usually charged in full. I will always give as much notice as possible if I need to cancel.
In-person or online
My consulting rooms are near London Bridge station. I also work online.
Fees
£85-120 per session, depending on income.
I also accept patients covered by Vitality, Axa Health and Aviva Health Insurance.
If you would like to book an initial consultation or have any questions then please contact me by email or telephone.
Contact me
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure exactly what to say. You’re welcome to contact me in whatever way feels easiest.
You don’t need to have everything worked out—just a sense that something isn’t quite right, or that you’d like to understand yourself more.
I will respond as soon as I can, and we can arrange an initial conversation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.
Phone
London Bridge
1B - Building 7
Maidstone Buildings Mews
72-76 Borough High Street
London SE1 1GD