What is psychodynamic (psychoanalytic) therapy?

Psychodynamic Therapy, also called ‘Psychoanalytic Therapy’ is a type of psychological intervention that is predominantly based on the modern developments of the theories of Sigmund Freud. Other psychoanalysts such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Otto Rank, Melanie Klein, and Jacques Lacan also largely contributed to the development and application of psychodynamics internationally.

It is effective to improve and resolve a range of problems, such as depression, anxiety, motherhood issues, work and career issues, addiction, chronic and long-term disease management, love and relationship problems and many others.

It tends to be more effective with individuals that are genuinely interested in exploring themselves, and seek personal development and self-knowledge in addition to symptom relief. These individuals have got the capacity for self-questioning and self-reflexion and a natural interest in their life and why they think and behave the way they do.

The aim of psychodynamic therapy is to bring the unconscious mind into the consciousness. When I work with my private clients, I help them understand, unravel and experience their true, deep-rooted feelings to resolve them.

HOW DOES PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY WORK?

Our unconscious mind holds onto painful memories and feelings that are too challenging for the conscious to process. To make sure these problematic memories and feelings do not surface, many of you develop defences such as displacement, negation, denial, and projections. According to Freud, these defences can sometimes do more harm than good. In this way, some bad thoughts and experiences from childhood are repressed but continue to influence your feelings as an adult in a negative way.

When I work with my clients, I encourage them to discuss the past as well as the present. This allows me to identify links between past events and how you think and act now. It is essential for me to adopt an equal relationship with my clients and to maintain an attitude of unconditional acceptance, so I can develop a strong and trusting relationship. This is to encourage the client to open up and work on unresolved problems and conflicts deeply hidden in their unconscious.

I use the classic techniques, developed by Sigmund Freud. Let me shortly describe three of them :

Free association: This technique involves you talking freely to me i.e. saying the first things that come to mind. You do not need to shape or structure your ideas. Your spontaneity enables your true thought and feelings to appear without any concern no matter how inappropriate, illogical or silly they might sound to you.

Therapeutic transference: This is the redirection of your feelings for an important person from your childhood onto me. Transference can manifest in many forms such as sympathy, mistrust or anger. Do not worry. Through recognition and exploration of this relationship, you will begin to understand your feelings and resolve the conflicts with people from your past.

Interpretation: Most of the time, I will be focused on listening to you but I will occasionally interject some of your thoughts and interpretations. In this way, I will help you learn new patterns of behaviour and new ways of thinking that focus on your personal development and growth.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY?

It is not time consuming as you can work with me from your home during your own time. I will be available in accordance with your time zone, no matter where you live.

The sessions are confidential with a focus on safeguarding your privacy, dignity and integrity. They are also customised and personalised with respect to your specific and personal needs.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL BE NEEDED?

Therapy length will depend upon each client’s specific issue. Compared to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this type of therapy is more intensive and requires a long-term commitment.