I'm Natalia Stepanova, a psychologist and hypnotherapist. I have been counselling since 2010, with a background in psychophysiology and psychology, and I work online, in Russian and in English, with people who live outside Russia. Most of my clients come with anxiety and panic attacks, burnout, homesickness, loneliness, strain in a relationship after a move, or the aftermath of a hard experience. In my work I use hypnotherapy (Ericksonian hypnosis) and EMDR 2.0.
Why in Russian
In a language that isn't your first, you don't rest — you work, choosing words, translating, watching how it sounds. A session in your own language means you don't have to translate what you feel. For many people that is the whole difference between saying something and not being able to say it.
What I work with
- Anxiety and panic attacks. The body reacts first: racing heart, breathing, dizziness, a sense that something terrible is about to happen. An attack usually peaks within minutes and passes; the fear of the next one is what keeps it going. If it is your first attack, see a doctor first to rule out physical causes.
- Burnout. Not the same as tiredness: rest does not fix it. After a move it often follows years of “I have to”: work, paperwork, language, children.
- Homesickness and loneliness. After a move you lose a whole environment, not only a place. Loneliness is not about how many people you know, but whether there is someone to call on a bad day.
- Relationships after a move. One partner often arrives into a ready-made work environment, the other into none. Both can be right and still fight.
- The aftermath of difficult experiences. Through EMDR 2.0: you stay fully conscious and in control.
When it is more than adjusting
Adapting to a new country has no single timeline; years, not months, is a realistic frame. In psychology this process is called acculturation, and its sharp phase is often called culture shock. Consider talking to someone if low mood, anxiety or sleeplessness last for months, if you struggle with work, study or children, or if you feel you want to disappear. Depression is a medical condition diagnosed by a doctor, not by an online test. If you have thoughts of not wanting to live, contact your local emergency service straight away.
How sessions work
- Format: video call on Zoom, Yandex Telemost, Telegram, MAX or any other channel you prefer. You need a quiet place and a stable connection.
- Payment: to a bank account in roubles or in cryptocurrency; international cards will be accepted later. We agree the method when you book.
- Length: a consultation takes about 55 minutes; an EMDR session about two hours.
- Languages: Russian and English.
- Confidentiality: what we discuss stays between us.
- First session: you tell me what is troubling you, I ask questions, and we agree on a goal and a plan.
Time zones
I work on Moscow time (UTC+3 all year). The difference changes when clocks change, so I always confirm the time in your time zone when booking.
| Where you are | Winter: Moscow is ahead by | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Ireland, Portugal | 3 h | 2 h |
| Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Czechia, Poland | 2 h | 1 h |
| Finland, Baltics, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Israel | 1 h | same time |
| Türkiye | same time | same time |
| Georgia, Armenia, UAE | Moscow is 1 h behind | 1 h behind |
| New York, Toronto | 8 h | 7 h |
| Chicago | 9 h | 8 h |
| Los Angeles, Vancouver | 11 h | 10 h |
Credentials, and how to check them
I am an Associate International Member of the British & European Polygraph Association (BEPA) and have been a member since 2010. The association publishes its members list: open the International Members tab and find Natalia Stepanova, Russia — BEPA members list. My training and background are on the qualifications page (in Russian). I am also on B17, where my articles and client reviews are published.
What I don't do
- I am not a psychiatrist and I don't prescribe medication. Psychological counselling is not medical care.
- I don't provide emergency help. In a crisis, contact your local emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Are you a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
A psychologist. I don't diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication. If you need a doctor, I will say so.
Do you work with clients who live outside Russia?
Yes, online, in Russian and in English. We agree the time in your time zone when you book.
Can you help with depression after moving abroad?
I work with anxiety, burnout and the difficulties of adjusting to a new country, including after relocation. Clinical depression is a medical condition and needs a psychiatrist or a medical psychotherapist; in our first session we will work out what is going on and, if needed, I will point you to the right kind of help.
I moved abroad and can't find my place. Is this something you work with?
Yes, it is a common reason people write to me: homesickness, loneliness, and the feeling that life isn't working out in the new place. We work online, in Russian or English.
How do I deal with homesickness abroad?
Name what you lost: not only a place, but a whole environment. Build repetition rather than new acquaintances — the same place, the same people, the same day of the week. Keep a channel in your own language. Give yourself years, not months.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (ДПДГ in Russian) is a protocol for processing distressing memories. I work with EMDR 2.0. You stay fully conscious and in control throughout.
What time zones do you work in?
I work on Moscow time (UTC+3 all year). The table above shows the usual difference; when we book, I always confirm the time in your time zone.
Do you offer free sessions?
No. A free guide, “5 Techniques for Anxiety”, is available on the Russian-language site.
How do I pay if I live abroad?
Payment is accepted to a rouble bank account or in cryptocurrency; international cards will be accepted later. We agree the method when you book.
How do I book?
Send a message on Telegram or leave a request on the site, and I will reply with available times.
If you would like to start
Write a few words about what is troubling you — I will reply with times that suit your time zone.