About me · Sofiya Levina
I didn't arrive at psychology in a straight line
And that's exactly why I believe a life can be rewritten. I'm a psychoanalytic coach and psychologist, a senior lecturer in coaching and mentoring, and a former stylist and luxury retail director.
“Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.”Viktor Frankl
My story
From medicine to art, from fashion to the unconscious
Every turn taught me something I still use with clients today.
- The startI wanted to become a doctor
My first dream was medicine: understanding people and helping them heal. Then art pulled me in another direction.
- 2014–2018Design in New York
I studied at Pratt Institute and worked on projects for brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Cartier and The Wall Street Journal.
- 2020A pandemic, and a new plan
I was accepted to a UX/UI master's programme, then COVID cancelled it. I built a fashion styling business instead.
- StylingClothes, and what lies beneath them
Styling showed me how people present themselves, and how much that is shaped by beliefs, fears and stories underneath. I later became a store director in luxury retail and designed trainings on leadership and culture for luxury brands.
- 2022Back to university, into psychoanalysis
I studied the foundations of psychology at the Moscow School of Psychoanalysis, then completed an M.Sc. in Psychoanalytic Business Consulting at the Higher School of Economics. I first met archetypes in branding; psychoanalysis showed me the depth behind them.
- TodayCoach, psychologist, lecturer
I work one-on-one with executives, entrepreneurs and creative professionals, teach coaching and mentoring at university level, and coach children and teenagers, including neurodivergent young people, at Crimson Education.
What I believe
Real change needs depth and tools
True transformation happens when we combine deep inquiry with practical tools.
- i.Psychoanalytic inquiry. We uncover the unconscious beliefs and emotional patterns that shape your decisions and relationships.
- ii.Systems thinking. Tavistock-inspired: we look at you and at the teams, organisations and families you're part of.
- iii.Actionable integration. Reflective tools and exercises that bring insight into your career, business and personal life.
- iv.Committed partnership. Regular sessions at a fixed time. Not quick fixes, but work that lasts.
Where I work today
How I can help you
Executive & Professional Coaching
For leaders, founders and professionals: leadership transitions, career decisions, team dynamics and burnout.
Learn more →Psychodynamic Consultation
For personal questions: self-doubt, anxiety, relationship patterns, grief and life transitions.
Learn more →Archetype Styling
Where my two worlds meet: a wardrobe and personal brand that express who you really are.
Learn more →Education & training
Credentials
Psychology & coaching
- M.Sc. Psychoanalytic Business ConsultingHigher School of Economics2023–2025
- Postgraduate programme in Psychoanalytic TherapyInstitute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis2025–2028
- Foundations of PsychologyMoscow School of Psychoanalysis2022–2023
- The Art & Science of CoachingErickson Coaching International2022
- P/TRP: Pain and Terror Release ProtocolIMTT Therapy2025
Design & style
- BFA, Communication DesignPratt Institute, New York2014–2018
- Body Type SystemDwyn LarsonStyle
- Colour Analysis & PsychologyPersonal colour typingStyle
- Archetypes for BrandingBrand and personal archetypesBrand
- Fashion Journalism, UX Design, Design ThinkingAdditional coursesDesign
I speak English, Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Sessions are held in English or Russian.
Brands I've worked with
From luxury fashion to global media
Let's look at your story together
Tell me a little about what brings you, and I'll get back to you with available times.
Look ahead with confidence, look back with gratitude, look up with faith, and look around with love.
Or email me at sofiya@levinas.design