What is Psychoanalytic Therapy?
Psychoanalytic therapy, derived from psychoanalysis and the theories of Freud, is a talking therapy that delves into how the unconscious mind shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This approach is particularly useful for understanding how early childhood experiences can influence current emotional distress and behavioural struggles. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups who face a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psycho-somatic conditions, obsessive behaviours, difficulties with concentration, dissatisfaction in work and in having fulfilling relationships.
Often, we adopt certain patterns of behaviour, which act as protection against emotional pain or vulnerability. However, patterns of behaviour which once shielded us from pain can eventually become self-defeating, leading to increased anxiety, depression, communication breakdown and feelings of being at odds with the world.
Whether sessions are in person or online the focus of therapy is to identify and alter these unhelpful patterns of behaviour, bringing relief from distressing symptoms and offering a pathway to deep and lasting change.
If you want to read more about psychoanalytic psychotherapy the link below might be of interest to you.
"Making Sense of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis" provides a useful description of what you can expect from psychotherapy.
Making sense of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis
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How Does Psychoanalytic Therapy Work?
Building a relationship of trust and working through your difficulties
The aim of psychoanalytic therapy is to help you understand the underlying reasons for your fears, problematic relationships and memories. At the heart of this therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. In the safety of this deeply authentic relationship you will be encouraged to speak about whatever is in your mind and be helped to express your most troubling thoughts and feelings and gain an understanding of how past experiences can 'live on' in your present feelings, thoughts and behaviour. The increased awareness of your inner world and motivations for your behaviour and patterns of relating provide a basis for positive changes in your mental and physical health and ability to manage your life.
What are the Benefits of Therapy?
Insight, empowerment and the potential for change
The benefits of psychoanalytic therapy extend much beyond the relief of symptoms such as anxiety and depression. In addition, psychoanalytic therapy aims to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and others and to foster the positive presence of inner resources and capacities that allow you to resolve past painful experiences, to have more fulfilling relationships, to face challenges with a greater sense of flexibility, to make better use of talents and abilities and to meet your personal needs. Psychoanalytic therapists believe that helping people to understand the underlying roots of their problems is more effective than behavioural training, specific advice, reassurance or techniques which try to banish distressing thoughts and feelings.
