About me

Alina Barnett

I am an experienced Gestalt psychotherapist, working with adults in private practice in South-West London and online, alongside my work in NHS psychological services.

My approach is shaped by a deep curiosity about people: how we make sense of our experiences, how our relationships shape us and how we navigate life’s challenges and changes.

Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked as a senior economist at the Bank of England and taught economics in schools and universities. While my work focused on analysis and problem-solving, I found myself increasingly drawn to the human side of things — the experiences, relationships and choices that shape our lives.

My own experiences of moving between countries and cultures, navigating change and living with chronic pain deepened this interest, particularly in the connections between our emotional and physical lives.

Together, these experiences led me to psychotherapy and continue to inform the warmth, curiosity and openness I bring to my work today.

My Approach

My work is rooted in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy and is trauma-informed, meaning I support clients explore their experiences in the here and now holistically—integrating thoughts, emotions, and bodily awareness, sensitively paying attention to how these arise outside and, relationally, inside the therapy room.  I also draw on insights from neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology to better understand how past experiences have the potential to shape present patterns and relationships. 

While I take my work seriously, I believe that therapy can hold space for humour, joy, and optimism, even amidst life’s difficulties. I approach each client with deep respect for their unique journey and an openness to exploring the unknown together.

If you’re interested in working together, I invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit.

Let’s get in touch

Let’s get in touch

If you’re interested in working together, I invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit.

If you’re interested in working together, I invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit.