Elena

Ms Elena Darmenko

CBT Psychotherapist

“An expat psychologist with 25 years of experience in culturally-sensitive counseling and international cooperation. I help other internationals adjust to the new country, relationship changes, individual past, present and future challenges. In any case, you can always count on my unconditional support!”

About Me

As an expat psychologist with over 20 years’ experience, I understand the unique challenges internationals face. I help you navigate adjusting to a new country, relationship shifts, and personal hurdles. My culturally-sensitive approach ensures our work resonates with your background. You can always count on my unconditional support as we explore your path forward and find steadiness through change.

Approach

You’ll notice sessions move at a steady, pragmatic rhythm that fits an international life: short-term aims, concrete experiments and breathing or creative check-ins between meetings to track what actually shifts. In Moscow or online, in English or Russian, I pair structured thinking with mindful noticing so we reshape habits, resolve role friction and ease relocation weariness through small, repeatable practices. Work is collaborative and homework-light, focused on moments you can own. This approach suits people juggling career, family and cross-border transitions.
Contact Elena

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Art Therapy

    A form of therapy that uses visual art-making (drawing, painting, sculpture) as a means of expression and emotional processing.

    Learn more about Art Therapy
  • Coaching

    A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

  • Corporate Workshops

    Mental health and well-being workshops delivered in workplace settings, covering topics like stress management, resilience, and communication.

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Wellness Support

    Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

    A therapy combining mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural techniques, designed particularly to prevent relapse in depression.

    Learn more about Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Occupational Therapy

    A therapy that helps people develop or recover the practical skills needed for daily life activities, from self-care to work and social participation.

  • Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

    Learn more about Psychoeducation
  • Skills Training

    Structured programmes that teach practical coping and life skills, such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

    Learn more about Skills Training

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Organisations

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Career Issues

    Work-related difficulties such as chronic dissatisfaction, conflict, burnout, uncertainty about direction, or the stress of career change.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Relocation / Expat

    The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.

    Learn more about Relocation / Expat
  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • Women's Issues

    Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.

  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout

Professional Title:

  • CBT Psychotherapist

    A psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, an evidence-based approach that changes unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns.

Credentials

Registrations

International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP)

International Association of Islamic Psychology (IAIP)

International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP)

Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology (National)

Qualifications

State Academic University for the Humanities

Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

Institute of Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology

ANO "NIIDPO"

Institute of Applied Psychology in Social Services

Service Areas

My practice is in Moscow (Kitay-Gorod metro station) or online

In-person & Online

Moscow, Moscow

Russia