JuliANA Seabra

Psychoanalyst

BACP MEMBER / NCPS ACCREDITED

Sessions in English and Portuguese

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LACAN & FREUD

Jaques Lacan retained Freud's notion of the unconscious but reinterpreted it in linguistic terms. He argued that unconscious desires are structured like a language, and they often manifest in symbolic and metaphorical ways. The unconscious is not a reservoir of repressed memories but a realm of symbolic meaning.

Psychoanalysis is a method of understanding the depths of human experience and uncovering the hidden motivations that drive our thoughts and actions. It's about delving into the complexities of the mind to promote lasting change.

I have a deep respect for all techniques within counseling, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis. Each approach offers valuable insights and tools that contribute to the holistic understanding and treatment of mental health issues. I believe that the diversity of therapeutic methods allows for personalised care, addressing the unique needs of each individual.

My approach to listening is guided by psychoanalysis, which implies a commitment to individuality. Psychoanalysis is not a psychological ‘education’; it does not offer self-improvement techniques or advice. Instead, it creates a safe and confidential space where it is possible to express one’s thoughts and wishes freely and openly.

Each life story is unique, as are the ways each person finds to deal with daily challenges or traumatic experiences. Our choices, decisions, relationships, memories, desires, fears, aspirations, and words are integral parts of this journey we call "living" – thus, it is exclusively ours and non-transferable. At certain moments along this journey, for various reasons, we disconnect from what drives our living, and then we become paralyzed – or limited – by some form of suffering:

Depression • Anxiety • Panic attacks • Insomnia • Burnout • Phobias • Compulsions • Anguish • Addictions • Eating disorders

These are some of the names that make up the long list of ways to name human suffering and psychological distress. Psychoanalysis arises from listening to this disconnection and, through it, emphasises the word as a key to accessing what we do not know about ourselves.

During the process of analysis, a space for speaking – and also for self-listening – is opened, in which the individual can follow a unique path that moves their living. In this unfolding, they can position themselves differently in the face of what afflicts them, enabling the discovery of new ways to handle difficulties and opening possibilities for profound and significant changes.

About

  • I am a certified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist accredited by NCPS and a member of BACP.

    I also attended the Psychoanalytic Studies at the Centre for Freudian Analysis and Research (London), as well as the completion of the Foundation Course at the Institute of Psychoanalysis (London).

  • Before establishing my private practice, I gained valuable experience through placements and voluntary work. At The Awareness Center (NHS), I provided counselling and psychotherapy to individuals referred by Wandsworth GPs. Additionally, I am part of the Transform Counselling team based in Mitcham, South London, where I offer long-term therapy.

  • I work with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures who suffer from a broad range of issues including dissociative experiences, depression, anxiety, phobic tendencies, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and destructive behaviors. Clients who have experienced abuse, neglect, or loss or who struggle to make and keep healthy, sustainable attachments also find it helpful to process and work through such events in therapy.