FAQs
What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are ways to think through emotional challenges with a trained professional.
I aim to help you understand what's going on beneath the surface—your thoughts, feelings, and patterns—so you can make sense of your struggles and begin to feel better.
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How is psychodynamic therapy different from other types of therapy?
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Psychodynamic therapy asks questions about how your past—especially early relationships—shapes your present. It can also help you become aware of unconscious patterns that influence how you feel, think, and behave, so you can make more conscious choices.
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What kinds of issues can psychodynamic therapy help with?
This type of therapy can help with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, and feeling stuck or lost. It can be helpful if your struggles seem hard to explain or have been around for a long time.
How does talking about my past help me today?
Our early experiences, especially with parents or caregivers, shape how we relate to ourselves and others. By understanding these patterns, you gain insight into why you feel or act a certain way now—and that insight can lead to real change.
What happens in a typical session?
You talk, and I listen as carefully and thoughtfully as I can—not just to what you're saying, but also to the feelings, patterns, and hidden meanings behind your words. I may gently ask questions to help you explore more deeply. I never judge- one quote I always have in mind is, "Everything is Understandable". If I haven't understood yet, then I have more listening to do.
How long does therapy take?
It varies from person to person. Some people come for a few weeks or months, others for longer. Some people come with a specific aim, some have a wish to feel better in a less specific way- it's your therapy, so we do it your way. Psychodynamic therapy often goes deep, so it can take time—but the changes tend to be lasting.
Do I have to talk about things I don’t want to?
No. You're in control of what you share and there is never pressure- all the research suggests that the key thing about therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist- and this can take some time to build. For me, the most important thing is that we get as close to you being your authentic self as possible- have a look at my authentic relating page to find out more.
Can this really help if I don’t know what’s wrong?
Yes. You don't need to have all the answers. Many people come in feeling confused or overwhelmed. Together, we can make sense of what's going on, even if it's unclear at first.
What does it mean to work with the unconscious?
The unconscious is the part of your mind you're not aware of, but it still influences how you feel and act. Psychodynamic therapy helps bring those hidden parts into the open, so you can understand yourself more fully.
How do I know if this type of therapy is right for me?
If you're curious about yourself, tired of repeating the same emotional patterns, or looking for deeper understanding—not just quick fixes—then psychodynamic therapy might be a good fit. Finding the right therapist is the most important thing- I would suggest you speak and/or meet a few of us first, to see who feels right.