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+44 7784 973 204

Maria Ilinsky
Psychotherapist in London

Psychotherapy sessions

In person at 85 Wimpole Street

And online via Zoom

Duration — 50 minutes

Fee — £120

Book an appointment
Maria Ilinsky
Psychotherapist in London
GMBPsS
British Psychological Society graduate member
10,205 hours
Professional training
14 years
Clinical experience
85% of clients
Report improvements after 3 sessions
Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

How can I help?

Living with anxiety means being trapped in exhausting worry. Intrusive thoughts swirl in your mind, forcing you to replay worst-case scenarios and making it hard to focus. You feel constant inner tension, find it difficult to relax, and sleep becomes shallow or disappears altogether. But this draining state is not normal, and you don't have to live like this every day.

Imagine your mind at peace. You can think clearly, concentrate easily, make decisions confidently without getting stuck in endless doubt. You feel relaxed throughout the day, enjoy moments of rest and connection, sleep deeply and wake up refreshed. You feel an inner sense of stability and control over your state.

In the safe environment of therapy, we will work together to understand the causes of your anxiety. I will help you reduce your high level of worry so you can regain emotional balance.

Take the first step towards calm and clarity — book a session. We'll discuss your situation and map out a path to change.

Book an appointment

Life feels grey, heavy, and colourless. Depression and apathy drain all your energy, leaving only exhaustion and indifference. Things that once brought joy no longer spark interest, motivation is absent even for simple tasks, and the future seems foggy or utterly hopeless. Oppressive thoughts about your own worthlessness may circle in your mind, pulling you into a state of emptiness and despair. This agonising state is not normal. You deserve to live without suffering and to feel life in all its fullness.

Imagine energy and lightness returning to you. You wake up in the morning with joy, take on tasks with interest, and find pleasure again in socialising, hobbies, work — in life itself. The world regains its colours, you feel a surge of strength, inner support, hope, and can make plans for the future, feeling your own value and meaning in life.

In the safe atmosphere of therapy, we can work together to understand the deep causes of your depression. You will be able to process and release suppressed feelings and find inner resources to gradually emerge from this difficult state, reclaiming joy, energy, and a taste for life.

Take the first step towards restoring joy and vitality — book a session. We'll discuss your situation and how I can help you on this journey.

Book an appointment

Do you feel tension building up in your relationship? Conversations often lead to arguments and hurt feelings, and it seems like you're not being heard or understood. This creates distance, drains your energy, and takes the joy out of closeness, leaving you feeling disappointed or stuck. But these difficulties don't mean the relationship is doomed — understanding them is both possible and necessary.

Imagine feeling true closeness and mutual understanding with your partner again. The tension is gone, replaced by warmth and trust. You feel like a team where each person's needs are valued and respected, and you can calmly discuss any disagreements. You feel a deep connection and satisfaction in your relationship.

In the safe atmosphere of therapy, we can work together to understand the causes of recurring conflicts and misunderstandings in your relationship. You will gain deeper insight into yourself, your reactions, and your needs. This awareness will help you find your own ways to improve the situation and restore harmony and closeness.

Take a step towards restoring warmth and understanding in your relationship — book a session. We'll discuss your situation and how I can help.

Book an appointment

Even as an adult, you find yourself dependent on your parents' approval, tormented by guilt when their expectations aren't met, or still unable to assert your boundaries. These unresolved issues stretch from the past, preventing you from building your own life, making independent decisions, and feeling truly grown-up and confident. But you don't have to remain forever in the shadow of parental figures and their influence.

Imagine feeling free and self-sufficient. You treat your parents with respect but live your own life, guided by your own values and decisions. You easily set healthy boundaries without guilt, build relationships as equals, and feel deep confidence in yourself and your path.

In the safe environment of therapy, we will gently explore the roots of your dependence on parental approval and recognition. I will help you through the process of healthy separation, finding inner support, and learning to build relationships with your parents from an adult, equal position.

Take a step towards your autonomy and freedom — book a session. We'll discuss your situation and map out a path to change.

Book an appointment

You constantly feel like you're not good enough. The inner critic never stops, making you doubt your abilities, devalue your achievements, and compare yourself to others. This burden of insecurity prevents you from trying new things, expressing your opinion, building relationships, and truly enjoying your successes, keeping you prisoner to the fear of mistakes and others' judgement. But your worth does not depend on others' opinions. You deserve to feel confident and at peace, no matter what.

Imagine feeling a deep inner foundation and quiet self-assurance. You know your strengths, value your successes, make decisions easily, and boldly pursue your goals. You freely express your opinion, build equal relationships, and treat yourself with warmth and acceptance, regardless of external circumstances.

In therapy, we will explore together the roots of your insecurity and self-criticism. You will gain a better understanding of yourself, recognise your worth, and find inner sources of support and confidence to live a freer, fuller life.

Begin your journey to self-confidence and self-acceptance — book a session. We'll discuss how I can help you on this path.

Book an appointment

The past keeps intruding into your life through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or sudden flashbacks. Traumatic experiences may cause you to avoid certain places or situations, feel constantly on edge, or find it hard to trust people. This invisible burden from the past robs you of a sense of safety and prevents you from building the life you want.

But you don't have to live under the weight of the past forever. Returning to yourself is possible.

Imagine feeling safe in the here and now. The past stays in the past, no longer defining your present. You feel whole, calm, able to trust others, build healthy relationships, and look to the future with confidence.

In the safe space of therapy, we can gently approach your traumatic experience. I will help you work through the difficult feelings associated with it, so it stops destroying you and you can find inner peace.

Take a step towards freedom from the past — book a session. We'll discuss how I can help you on this path.

Book an appointment

What clients say

Sessions in the consulting room

In-person sessions take place in a consulting room at a psychological centre in Marylebone, at:
85 Wimpole Street, W1G 9RJ

Online sessions

Online sessions take place by video call via Zoom.

For this, it's important that we can see and hear each other clearly.

I conduct online sessions from a dedicated consulting room with high-speed internet, using a professional camera and headset. This ensures you can see and hear me clearly.

For your online session, you'll need a private space where you won't be disturbed, plus a smartphone or computer with Zoom installed.

About me

St Petersburg State University on the Neva embankment: a historic light-grey building with classical columns against a blue sky Maria Ilinsky next to the bust of B.G. Ananyev, founder of the Faculty of Psychology at SPbSU

I'm originally from St Petersburg, Russia where I studied psychology at St Petersburg State University. My degree is recognised by UK ENIC as equivalent to a Bachelor's Honours degree.

Following graduation, I trained in psychotherapy under supervision and co-facilitated therapeutic workshops.

The lobby of Maccabi Healthcare Services in Israel, with a modern interior, a Hebrew logo on a blue wall, waiting chairs and people walking through the corridor Maria Ilinsky at her workplace in Maccabi Healthcare Services

In 2014, I relocated to Israel with my family, where I worked as a psychotherapist at Maccabi Healthcare Services.

Psychotherapy office in London from another angle Maria Ilinsky near Big Ben and Westminster BridgeWimpole Street W1 sign, City of Westminster — location of the psychotherapy office

In 2022, I moved to the UK and established my private practice in central London, offering individual psychotherapy in-person and online.

My experience to date:

  • 10,205 hours of professional training
  • 14 years in clinical practice
  • 11 years of personal therapy

I regularly participate in professional seminars and conferences of the British Psychological Society.

I meet weekly with a personal therapist and supervisor.

On a personal note, I'm married with two children.

Qualifications and credentials

Questions you might have

How does psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy works because it facilitates internal change. It helps you find solutions and cope with emotional difficulties. It’s a proven and reliable way to resolve personal challenges and achieve lasting personal transformation.

How often should I attend therapy, and for how long?

Typically, we meet once a week. During difficult periods or if you’d like to intensify the work, we can meet twice weekly. If time or budget are considerations, fortnightly sessions are possible, though less frequent sessions tend to be less effective.

The length of therapy varies according to your needs. Traditional therapy usually involves weekly sessions for one to five years. Anything under a year is generally considered short-term counselling.

How will I know if therapy is helping?

You might notice a subjective sense that things feel better, lighter, or easier. More concretely, you’ll often find you’re able to manage situations that previously felt overwhelming.

I’m not sure what I need help with. Is that alright?

Absolutely. Many people start therapy with a general sense that “something’s not quite right” or “I’m struggling but can’t pinpoint why.” These are perfectly valid starting points for our work together.

I find it hard to talk about personal matters. What if I can’t open up?

That’s completely understandable. You’ll share only what feels comfortable, at your own pace. I work gently and there’s no pressure to disclose anything before you’re ready.

What happens during a session?

We meet either in my practice room in Marylebone or online via Zoom. We’ll talk about what’s troubling you, explore your thoughts and feelings, and sometimes I’ll suggest exercises or techniques that might help.

Where is your practice?

I see clients at my office in Marylebone: 85 Wimpole Street, W1G 9RJ

What are your fees?

A session costs £120, lasts 50 minutes, and is available in person or online.

How do I book an appointment?

My phone number is +44 7784 973 204. You can message me on WhatsApp, and we will arrange a session. I usually respond to messages within an hour.

How can I pay for sessions?

I’ll send you a secure payment link via our messaging thread. You can pay by Revolut Pay, bank transfer, Apple Pay, or credit/debit card - whichever suits you best.

What’s your cancellation policy?

You’re welcome to cancel or reschedule with 48 hours’ notice at no charge. Unfortunately, if you need to cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours’ notice, I’ll need to charge the full session fee.

Do you accept health insurance?

Unfortunately no. I work solely as a private psychotherapist and don’t accept insurance.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer online sessions via Zoom for those who prefer or need remote consultations.

How do you handle confidentiality?

Everything you share with me is strictly confidential. I don’t disclose your identity or anything you tell me to anyone. The only exception is my clinical supervisor, with whom I may discuss clinical aspects of our work - but never your surname or identifying details, only your first name and the general nature of what we’re working on.

Can you prescribe medication?

Unfortunately no. Only doctors can prescribe medications in the UK.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Please message me on WhatsApp. I usually respond to messages within an hour.