What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Someone once said that psychotherapy is a process of introducing us to the one person we will spend our whole life with: namely our self. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based upon the idea that there are certain things in the mind that we are unaware of and these things have a significant impact upon how we feel, what we think, and what we do. The reason we aren’t aware of these things isn’t due to ignorance but because awareness of these things is painful. Psychodynamic psychotherapy then is in some way concerned with getting to the root of our difficulties, our stuckness, our going round in circles and offers a way of exploring our underlying problems which aren’t so easily or readily accessible to our usual ways of investigation.
What do I do in therapy?
Your therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak as openly and freely as you can. This is often more challenging than you think as we usually edit much of what we think and feel. So try and say whatever comes to mind. Talking is the life blood of psychotherapy. The more open you are during your sessions the more you will discover about yourself. The more you speak, the more connections you will make.
What can I expect?
I can offer both online and in-person appointments. When we meet, you can tell me about yourself and what it is that has brought you here. You may have some questions that are on your mind about how I work. A desire to understand yourself better, and perhaps function better in the world may be sufficient motivation to engage in psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help address depression, anxiety, loss and grief, anger and rage, as well as family related issues. It can also be helpful in attending to personality disorders, trauma and self-destructive behaviour, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, as well as themes of meaning and transiency.
I offer short-term therapy as well as longer term treatment. Individual appointments cost £70 and last 50 minutes. I can offer some reductions to students and those on low income. Sessions are held at regular intervals, at least once weekly, and sometimes more often depending on your specific situation.
