Aneta Contractor

About me

I have an abundance of international experience which has been built by living and working in 7 countries across 3 continents. I have gained a unique set of skills that helps me see the world through the eyes of a diverse range of clients. 

I am passionate about helping people understand why they think, feel & act the way they do, helping people gain awareness about how they relate to themselves & others, understanding the root of it all. 

When we think of our relationships, we often forget that our starting point is the primary relationship to ourselves.   There are numerous aspects to ourselves, for example our personalities.  Additionally, we each have within us interactions between our thoughts, feelings and impulses.  When stressed, these can get out of balance. During these times we may feel unhappy with ourselves, which can result in problems in our relationship to our partner and/or others. The opposite can also apply when a difficult relationship with our partner and/or others can significantly impact our otherwise good sense of self.

Which would you like to explore?  RELATIONSHIP TO SELF or RELATIONSHIP TO PARTNER

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RELATIONSHIP TO SELF

Living life with ourselves is challenging. You may want to find a better way of being with yourself, change your reactions to certain situations, addressing work issues or improve your relationship to others.  I would consider it a privilege to support you deepen your understanding of who you are as you embark on your journey of self-discovery.

Self-knowledge, knowing what you need mentally, emotionally and physically, are not only empowering but also essential in building satisfying relationships. Gaining insight into aspects of your own unique being fosters compassion for both yourself and those around you.

Speaking in a safe and trusted space is a great way to process and develop thoughts, feelings and impulses about yourself, your relationships with others and your life.  Speaking may seem easy and basic, but hearing ourselves trying to make a meaningful and coherent narrative is sometimes very difficult, but usually highly significant thing we can do for ourself.

I can help with: stress & anxiety; depression; life changes; and transitions.

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RELATIONSHIP TO PARTNER

Everyone in an intimate relationship will usually meet with difficulties at some point.  It’s how you respond that matters.  Through relationship therapy you can explore what triggers your unwanted and unsatisfying thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Unmet expectations, desires and requests often come to the surface in conflict.  You may fight, retreat or close down.  Conflict in relationships often centre around love, sex and intimacy because for each of us they can mean different things and have different values. I can help you become aware of the dynamics between you, and help you learn ways to make fulfilling contact with each other, while discovering how to work with difficult feelings and reveal your desire for loving connection. It is important to understand your partner from their deepest needs and yours, and to communicate so you are heard and emotionally satisfied.

I can help with: communication problems; managing arguments and conflicts; issues with sex and desire; affairs /infidelity in relationships; dealing with change; cross-cultural differences.

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Therapeutic approaches

My therapy practice is informed by Psychodynamic and Systemic psychotherapy. Although I am very passionate about these approaches, I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as each client has different issues that need addressing in a bespoke manner.

Training and qualifications

I was initially a IT and Maths professor.  Although I enjoyed teaching as a profession, my true passion was for psychology and psychotherapy, so I eventually decided to study the subject closest to my heart. I did this in the UK by completing an Honours degree in Psychology and subsequently my Masters.