Chanchala Patra

Chanchala Patra (MA, MSc, BSc) is an accredited psychotherapist and registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy and an individual member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She holds a Level 7 (Master’s equivalent) qualification in Mindfulness-Based Core Process Psychotherapy and works in private practice at The Awareness Centre, offering both short- and long-term therapy in person and online.

Chanchala offers a warm, grounded, and compassionate space where clients can gently explore what is arising for them at a pace that feels right. Her approach is integrative, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, and mindfulness-based practices. She works holistically, supporting the connection between mind and body, and bringing awareness, curiosity, and non-judgement to present-moment experience. Chanchala has a special interest working with trauma and questions around self-identity, particularly during periods of transition such as relationship endings, career dissatisfaction, becoming a parent, or questioning life direction. She brings a thoughtful curiosity to themes of selfhood and the question of “Who am I?”, supporting clients in reconnecting with a more authentic sense of self. As part of this deeper exploration, she is particularly interested in how early relational experiences and unconscious patterns shape present-day life and adult relationships. While talking and reflecting on experiences is part of the process, she also works creatively using images, symbols, and the imagination to open up new ways of relating to oneself. This process supports clients in moving from habitual responses towards greater choice, deeper self-understanding, and agency.

With over 14 years’ experience in the mental health field, Chanchala has supported clients with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, shame, low self-esteem, self-harm, relationship difficulties, family dynamics, communication challenges, and existential concerns. Her work is also informed by specialist training in prenatal and birth experiences and their lifelong impact. Her background working with children with autism and ADHD has deepened her sensitivity to difference and diversity and continues to inform her work with clients in regulating intense emotions and communicating needs more effectively. Through her work, she has witnessed how much healing, growth, and possibility can emerge from difficulty, and she values holding this potential alongside her clients.

Fees: £80 per session, with a limited number of sliding-scale spaces available.