About Us

A Centre for Relational Depth, Symbolic Inquiry, and Intersubjective Growth

 

The name Inner Citadel is inspired by the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, who described an inner space of calm and integrity—a steady centre for reflection amid life’s uncertainties. Reimagined through a relational lens, this citadel is not a fixed or solitary refuge, but a relationally-shaped capacity for self-reflection, emotional grounding, and ethical responsiveness.

In our clinical understanding, the Inner Citadel is a co-created and evolving sense of inner continuity—a space that takes shape within relationships, including the therapeutic one. It reflects the capacity to stay emotionally engaged, meaningfully connected, and open to transformation, even in the face of psychic pain, relational rupture, or social adversity.

Rather than a place of withdrawal, the citadel symbolises a relational anchor: a felt sense of self that emerges over time through attuned connection, recognition, and mutual exploration. It is a site of ongoing integration: where unconscious material, relational patterns, and cultural forces are brought into reflective dialogue.

At the Inner Citadel Institute, we draw upon this reimagined vision as we integrate contemporary relational, depth-oriented, and cultural-psychological approaches to psychotherapy. Our work invites individuals to discover and develop their inner citadel as a dynamic centre of meaning, creativity, and connection.

Our Theoretical Orientation


 

At Inner Citadel, we offer an integrative clinical approach situated at the intersection of contemporary relational psychoanalysisdepth-oriented psychology, and interpersonal-cultural theory. Our practice is grounded in the understanding that psychological transformation occurs within relational matrices that are simultaneously intersubjective and intrapsychicindividual and collectivesymbolic and embodied.

We view therapeutic engagement not as the delivery of expertise, but as a collaborative and dynamic process in which meaning, affect, and identity are co-constructed. Our clinicians approach the psychotherapeutic relationship with reflexivity, responsiveness, and theoretical rigour, attending to unconscious processes, relational dynamics, and sociocultural context.

Core Clinical Commitments


 

Relational Co–Creation

Psychotherapy is a live relational process shaped by mutual influence, enactments, ruptures, and repairs. The therapeutic dyad becomes a space of transformation through emotional authenticity, shared inquiry, and ethical responsibility.

Symbolic and Depth–Oriented Work

We incorporate the exploration of dreams, active imagination, and symbolic processes into clinical work. We hold that the search for meaning often emerges through engagement with unconscious material, archetypal patterns, and personal mythologies.

Intersubjective Authenticity

Our clinicians do not adhere to a detached or ‘blank slate’ stance, but instead bring considered authenticity and emotional attunement to the therapeutic relationship. The therapist’s subjectivity is acknowledged as integral to the therapeutic process, fostering a more genuine and ethical encounter.

Relational–Cultural Ethics and Mutuality

Our work is informed by models that emphasise mutual, growth-fostering relationships, in which questions of power, marginalisation, and social context are actively engaged. We recognise that psychological distress is often relationally mediated and therefore requires both internal and relational transformation.

Clinical and Educational Services


 

Individual Psychotherapy

Integrative work grounded in relational, interpersonal, and symbolic traditions. Sessions focus on understanding relational patterns, exploring unconscious processes, and co-creating meaningful change within a safe and responsive therapeutic environment. The clinical team is led by Dr Tanya Lecchi.
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Dreamwork and Symbolic Inquiry Groups

Facilitated spaces for engaging with personal and collective symbolism, drawing on depth-psychological methods to support psychic integration and individuation.
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Clinical Supervision and Consultation

For practitioners seeking to develop their work through a relational, depth-oriented, and culturally attuned lens.
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Professional Development and Training

Programmes offering theoretical seminars, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary dialogue, designed to integrate relational theory, symbolic practice, and critical social awareness.
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Community Dialogues and Public Events

Educational offerings that address the intersections of psychic life, relational experience, and cultural context—open to clinicians, academics, and the wider public.
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