Olga Goncharevich

I’m honoured to be here with you today. Poetry became a part of my life relatively recently—in March 2022, to be exact. It was during a time when I needed a way to process and survive the terrifying experience of war. Writing became my lifeline, a way to give form to emotions that were too overwhelming to keep inside.

Although I left Russia in 2014, I believe that epigenetic memory may have played a role in shaping my perspective. The echoes of my ancestors, who lived through repression, seem to have found their way into my words. This legacy, however intangible, has influenced my work and deepened my connection to the themes of resilience, survival, and transformation.

Outside of poetry, I’m a psychologist and a member of the British Psychological Association. My focus is paradoxical psychology, and I’m deeply interested in exploring the fine line between genius and madness—how they intertwine and often reveal the profound complexity of the human mind.

For me, poetry is not just an art form; it’s a way to explore and express the paradoxes of life, to make sense of the incomprehensible, and to connect with others on a level that transcends words. I’m excited to share this journey with all of you and to hear your thoughts and reflections.

Thank you for welcoming me into this space.