Psychodynamic therapy
I offer psychodynamic therapy in New Malden and online, for people who want to understand why things keep happening, not just manage them.
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy looks at how past experiences, especially early relationships, shape how you feel and relate to people now, often in ways you may not be aware of.
The idea behind it is that not everything that drives us is in our conscious mind. Feelings we learned to push away, or ways of coping that once protected us, can carry on in the background long after we need them. They might show up as a relationship pattern that keeps repeating, a reaction that seems bigger than the situation, or a low mood that's hard to explain.
In sessions, we pay attention to what you say and also to what keeps coming back, what feels hard to talk about, and how you experience our relationship. These are often clues to older patterns, and noticing them together can bring real insight.
By understanding where a pattern comes from, it often becomes easier to make different choices. Many people find the changes last because they come from understanding themselves better, not just from managing symptoms.
Who it can help
- Relationship patterns that keep repeating
- Feelings that keep coming back without an obvious cause
- Low self-esteem
- Difficult childhood experiences
- Bereavement and loss
- Attachment difficulties
- Reactions that feel bigger than the situation
- Low mood or anxiety that's hard to explain
What happens in psychodynamic sessions
1
Talking freely
Sessions are less structured than CBT. You talk about whatever feels important, and we follow what comes up.
2
Noticing patterns
Together we notice patterns across your life, in relationships, feelings and reactions, and sometimes in our own relationship in the room.
3
Understanding why
We explore where these patterns may have come from, so you understand why they happen as well as how to manage them.
4
Making changes
As understanding grows, it often becomes easier to respond differently and make choices that suit you better.
Psychodynamic therapy is usually longer-term and open-ended, because this kind of understanding builds gradually.
Sessions and fees
- Initial consultation (up to 1 hour): £70
- Talking therapy session (50 minutes): £70
Sessions are one-to-one, in person in New Malden or online. All fees
How I use psychodynamic therapy
I draw on psychodynamic ideas alongside other approaches. For example, understanding where a pattern comes from can sit well with more practical CBT tools for changing it.
Other approaches I use: CBT, Existential Therapy
Common questions
- How is it different from CBT?
- CBT is structured and focuses on changing patterns now. Psychodynamic therapy is more open and explores where those patterns come from. Many people benefit from a mix of both.
- Will I have to talk about my childhood?
- We follow what feels important to you. Earlier experiences often come up, but you set the pace and decide what you want to talk about.
- How long does it take?
- It's usually longer-term and open-ended, but we'll talk about what suits you and review it together.
- Will you just sit and listen?
- No. I take an active part: reflecting back what I notice, asking questions and making connections with you. You won't be left to do all the talking.