WHAT IS THERAPY?

Therapy involves a collaborative relationship between a therapist and you, the client. I primarily utilise psychodynamic therapy in my work, I aim to explore how your current day to day issues are rooted in your childhood experiences. I am also interested in elements of mindfulness, relational therapy, mind-body connection, cognitive-behavioural therapy and Bessel Van Der Kolk's exploration of trauma affecting the whole person.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unravelling and clarifying underlying patterns in our lives. It is an invitation to feel pain, or challenging experiences, to look deeply at the truth of them, as to move through them. To see the source of these patterns and thought forms, allows us to respond accordingly.

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.”

- Bessel Van Der Kolk

These patterns are often found to begin in our childhood - psychodynamic therapy suggests that early life experiences are extremely influential in the formation and functioning of an adult. Therapy seeks to promote the rewriting of past experiences and supports the formation of a more useful positive sense of self.

In psychodynamic therapy, the therapist will encourage you to talk about whatever is in your conscious mind. Psychodynamic therapists may ask you things like “what age do you feel right now?” or “can you think of a time where you experienced similar emotions?” This is because they are trying to uncover repeated patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Often, our psychological problems are intrinsically embedded in our personalities, the issue you bring to therapy may not be the one that emerges after several sessions.

Studies support the gains achieved whilst in psychodynamic therapy are long lasting and often clients continue to improve after therapy has finished.

My approach and core training is based on these principles but, depending on the presenting issues, and you the client, I draw from other modalities depending on what is relevant and useful.

I will often encourage you to talk about any topic that comes to mind in order to gain insight into your complex inner world. I normally offer sessions on the same day and at the same time each week and would consider the therapy ongoing. As time and our sessions go on, I hope to build a trusting relationship, so we can find your inner ease and explore your unique process.