Dr Vladislava Susanina
Clinical Psychologist
I’m Vladi, a clinical psychologist, helping people navigate self-criticism, emotional struggles, relational difficulties, trauma, and life transitions. I work in English and Bulgarian. Book a free 20' call to learn more!
I specialise in:
About me
I’m a registered clinical psychologist in the UK with almost 10 years of experience supporting young people and adults through emotional struggles, self-criticism, recurring difficulties in relationships, and life changes like moving abroad.
Many people I work with have a harsh internal voice or a sense that they’re “not enough,” which often shows up as emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, relational tension, or struggles with self-confidence. These experiences can often be linked to past traumas or adversity and feel both painful and confusing. It’s common to wonder whether things could be different. I am here to help you bring clarity to the chaos and to be alongside you as you explore change at a pace that feels right for you.
I was born and raised in Bulgaria and trained and worked in England. This has shaped my sensitivity to diversity and culture. Having been an immigrant myself, I'm deeply aware of the challenges that come with trying to find your place within a new culture. It's important for me to consider aspects of intersectionality, understanding that culture, identity, and life context matter deeply in how people experience their inner world. If you are an expat or immigrant, we can think together about the difficulties you might be facing with transitions, feeling a sense of belonging, and finding yourself again.
In my work, I place a strong emphasis on creating a safe, trusting, and non-judgmental therapeutic space. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. My aim is to support you in developing greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself, so that changes feel meaningful and sustainable.
If you're interested in learning more, book a free introductory call to see if we are a good fit!
I work with AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality insurance providers in the UK.
I speak:
Location:
Media Gallery
Approach
I work with young people and adults to build self-compassion, improve emotional regulation, and identify the values and skills that can help them navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, confidence, and clarity. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to your individual needs. I draw on evidence-based psychological approaches, such as Compassion Focused Therapy, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, while remaining flexible and responsive to what feels most helpful for you at different stages of therapy.
In my approach, I like to consider the different aspects or 'parts' of the self and how we can work towards creating a more balanced inner system. Together, we will work to make sense of your experiences, patterns of thinking and relating, and emotional responses. Sessions may involve reflecting on past and present experiences and identifying practical ways of coping with challenges in everyday life. I like to ask people to complete different tasks between sessions, because I think it's important that the work continues outside of the therapy hour.
I also have a particular interest in supporting people with body image concerns, including body dysmorphic disorder. I aim to offer a compassionate and reflective space to explore the emotional, relational, and social pressures that shape how we see ourselves, and to support the development of a more balanced, accepting, and respectful relationship with the body.
Experience
November 2025 - Psychological Private Practice Sept 2024 - Sept 2025 - Behavioural Insights Team, Health and Wellbeing Public Policy Team March 2024 - Sept 2024 - Specialist Older Adults Mental Health Team Sept 2023 - March 2024 - Paediatric Psychology Service Oct 2022 - September 2023 - Adult Community Mental Health Core Team Dec 2021 - Sept 2022 - Forensic Peer Support Worker Coordinator August 2019 - Dec 2021 - Assistant Clinical Psychologist for Specialist Community Personality Disorder Pathway (OPDP Services) Jan 2019 - August 2019 - Assistant Clinical Psychologist for Medium Secure Hospital, Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services Jun 2018 - Jan 2019 - Activity Practitioner, Medium Secure Hospital, Specialist Personality Disorder Ward Oct 2017 - May 2018 - Honorary Research Assistant, Probation Services Sept 2016 - Aug 2017 - Honorary Assistant Psychologist, Medium Secure Hospital, Specialist Personality Disorder Ward
Education
2026 - Chairwork: Beyond the Basics – Three Day Intensive Training
2022 - 2025 - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University College London
2022 - 2025 – Foundation Course in Systemic Thinking and Practice
2019 – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Training
2014 - 2018 - Bachelor of Science with Honours with Placement Year, University of Surrey
2009 - 2014 - American College of Sofia, Magna cum Laude
Services
Intro Call
Individual Session
Individual Session
Insurances
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