Psychoanalyst Astrid Zeceña, M.A.
Astrid Zeceña
Psychoanalyst
Marylebone, London
Often, people come to see a psychoanalyst when they feel that something may be missing in their life, when they feel stagnant, or overwhelmed by their issues or feelings.
They may have tried restricting, limiting, or increasing certain behaviours, substance intake, or even their choices.
Although they might have a sense of what needs to be addressed, they are not always entirely sure of the underlying cause behind the repetition — the inner push towards a form of self-destruction; of what remains hidden, yet speaks through their suffering.
At times, there is simply a sense that something does not quite settle, even when efforts have been made to change.
A Space to Look Further
Psychoanalysis is a form of therapy that provides the space, time, and pace to look further.
It allows for a more profound insight into a person’s life, including childhood, family dynamics, relationships, and dreams.
The main tool is the person’s speech. Through this, one can attend closely to the details of experience — of that which, perhaps through a traumatic moment, a loss, or a separation, may have provoked intense feelings and unanswered questions that continue to impact the present.
This is a process that unfolds gradually, at a pace that takes shape together, in the collaboration between analyst and patient.
When Something Remains Unresolved
“I spent weeks working with a therapist. Things did improve — quite significantly.
However, I still feel that something remains unresolved. There was a great deal we could not get into.”
This was expressed by someone seeking a deeper form of treatment through psychoanalysis.
Short-term therapies cannot always provide the opportunity to move beyond patterns of behaviour — to go further than repetition and begin to understand what lies beneath the surface.
Once symptoms have eased, even slightly, a different kind of question can emerge: a wish to know more — and to know differently.
How the Work Unfolds
Psychoanalysis is grounded in regularity and in the relationship between analyst and patient.
Sessions generally take place more than once a week — though in my practice, rarely more than three times weekly.
The focus is on what is being said. The analyst listens in order to emphasise, question, or draw attention to particular aspects of what is brought.
What matters is attention to speech, rather than strict adherence to the clock. Session length is not fixed in advance.
A session may last only a few minutes, though it rarely extends beyond half an hour.
This way of working can feel unfamiliar at first, and it is something that can be experienced in the initial consultations.
Who This May Speak To
Those who come to psychoanalysis often have a strong desire to know themselves at a deeper level.
They bring curiosity about their personal and family histories, and a willingness to sustain this exploration over time.
Psychoanalysis does require commitment, effort, and a genuine desire for knowledge.
At the same time, it is not necessary to be certain from the outset — only to have a question, or a sense that something may be worth exploring.
Location
Crawford Street, Marylebone, London
Cost
Fees reflect standard psychoanalytic rates in the area
Low-cost clinic: currently full
Availability
Daytime appointments available
Evening clinic closed
Making a First Consultation
If you are considering this way of working, you are welcome to get in touch.
astrid.zecena@gmail.com
Kindly include your availability, and I will share a brief clinical questionnaire.
An initial consultation offers a space to think about what brings you here, and whether this approach may be suitable.
There is no obligation to continue beyond this first meeting.
By appointment only
-
While this site is completed, more info currently available on: About Astrid – Astrid Zeceña, Psychoanalyst & Psychotherapist in Marylebone