Anastasia Philippenko
Clinical & Counseling Psychologist
Anastasia Philippenko
I’m a clinical and counseling psychologist working from an existential and holistic perspective.
Psychology was not my first profession—it was a path I came to through lived experience, personal transformation, and a long search for meaning.
My first education was in architecture, where I completed a Master’s degree in Architectural Restoration. During my final years of study, I had the opportunity to work with the studio of French architect Martin Robain, living and working between Moscow and Paris.
The studio I worked with contributed to major international projects, including buildings for the Arab World Institute and the European Parliament, as well as other large-scale developments. I also worked with Martin on a luxury private residential complex project in Barvikha, Moscow region of Russia.
Psychology was not my first profession—it was a path I came to through lived experience, personal transformation, and a long search for meaning.
My first education was in architecture, where I completed a Master’s degree in Architectural Restoration. During my final years of study, I had the opportunity to work with the studio of French architect Martin Robain, living and working between Moscow and Paris.
The studio I worked with contributed to major international projects, including buildings for the Arab World Institute and the European Parliament, as well as other large-scale developments. I also worked with Martin on a luxury private residential complex project in Barvikha, Moscow region of Russia.
That experience shaped my standards—but it also raised difficult questions. I began to see a growing gap between my education in Moscow and the level of work I was exposed to in Europe. I found myself questioning not only my academic path, but the profession itself.
At that point, an unexpected opportunity brought me to Berlin, where I transitioned into a completely different field—public relations.
Berlin captivated me with its energy and people, but my journey didn’t stop there. Soon after, I moved to California.
In the United States, I spent over 11 years working in PR and government relations within a group of companies focused on alternative energy. My work took me across the world—I collaborated internationally, engaged with different cultures, refined my English, learned Spanish, and earned my MBA.
I later opened a company branch in Singapore and secured government approval for a $50 million grant.
From the outside, it looked like a successful, fast-moving international career.
But internally, something was missing.
By the age of 33, I had reached a point of burnout. At the same time, I was going through a deeply painful and complex relationship—what I would now describe as codependent—as well as unresolved tension in my relationship with my parents.
At the same time, I was carrying a deeper sense of pain connected to my family. I often felt that my achievements weren’t truly seen or valued, that my talents and successes didn’t bring the kind of recognition or warmth I longed for.
I grew up quickly.
I started working at 19, and in many ways, I skipped a carefree youth—student life, late nights, the intensity of young love. Parental love remained something distant, almost elusive—something I was still trying to understand and feel.
I had achieved a lot, but I didn’t feel at peace.
That was the turning point.
I began my own psychotherapy journey—and it changed my life.
I gradually stepped away from my corporate career, re-evaluated my values, and began making different choices. I found the strength to leave a difficult relationship, to better understand my emotional world, and to face long-standing feelings connected to my family and my past.
My life began to shift—both externally and internally.
At that point, an unexpected opportunity brought me to Berlin, where I transitioned into a completely different field—public relations.
Berlin captivated me with its energy and people, but my journey didn’t stop there. Soon after, I moved to California.
In the United States, I spent over 11 years working in PR and government relations within a group of companies focused on alternative energy. My work took me across the world—I collaborated internationally, engaged with different cultures, refined my English, learned Spanish, and earned my MBA.
I later opened a company branch in Singapore and secured government approval for a $50 million grant.
From the outside, it looked like a successful, fast-moving international career.
But internally, something was missing.
By the age of 33, I had reached a point of burnout. At the same time, I was going through a deeply painful and complex relationship—what I would now describe as codependent—as well as unresolved tension in my relationship with my parents.
At the same time, I was carrying a deeper sense of pain connected to my family. I often felt that my achievements weren’t truly seen or valued, that my talents and successes didn’t bring the kind of recognition or warmth I longed for.
I grew up quickly.
I started working at 19, and in many ways, I skipped a carefree youth—student life, late nights, the intensity of young love. Parental love remained something distant, almost elusive—something I was still trying to understand and feel.
I had achieved a lot, but I didn’t feel at peace.
That was the turning point.
I began my own psychotherapy journey—and it changed my life.
I gradually stepped away from my corporate career, re-evaluated my values, and began making different choices. I found the strength to leave a difficult relationship, to better understand my emotional world, and to face long-standing feelings connected to my family and my past.
My life began to shift—both externally and internally.
| I moved across several countries, explored photography (which for a time became my profession), and along the way, I met someone with whom I was able to build a truly close and meaningful relationship—and I got married. But the most significant changes were internal. I became calmer. More grounded. I developed self-respect. I learned to speak about myself—my past, my feelings, my needs—clearly, without shame or guilt. This path naturally led me to psychology. I trained as a counseling psychologist, and later as a clinical and existential psychologist. I am also certified by the Russian Professional Psychotherapeutic League (OPPL), which is confirmed by formal credentials and certifications. In my work, I integrate existential analysis with a holistic understanding of the person. I see each individual as a whole system, where all dimensions are interconnected: • Biological (genetics, physiology, brain chemistry) • Psychological (thoughts, emotions, behavior, coping patterns) • Social (family, culture, environment, life circumstances) • Existential/spiritual (values, meaning, freedom, personal potential) I believe that each person is an open, evolving being—capable of growth and change. Only you can find your way, make sense of your past, and define what truly matters in your life. My role is not to lead you, but to support you—carefully and thoughtfully—as you discover your own path. |
Education
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SMART Online Institute — 2026
Training in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling
- 2025 — Institute of Applied Psychology in the Social Sphere (ANO DPO)
Clinical Psychologist
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Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis — 2022–2024
Counseling Psychologist -
European Association for Psychotherapy — 2023
Course in Emotional Image Therapy -
Moscow Business School (MBA Program), Presidential Academy (RANEPA) — 2015–2017
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Institute of Art Restoration — 2004–2009
Master’s Degree in Architectural Restoration
- Sreda Obucheniya Higher School
Completed course in Anger Management for Children and Parents (35 hours) - Sreda Obucheniya Higher School
Completed course in Psychotherapy of Trauma and Loss (20 hours)
Contacts
