Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy offers a confidential space where individuals can think about and discuss their thoughts, emotions, relationships and events in their lives, whether past or present.  It presupposes that whatever happens to us as we go through life, will have impacted on us, sometimes in ways that we are unaware.

It is impossible for any individual to escape challenging times and sometimes thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming. When this happens individuals can become depressed or anxious or feel generally very unhappy with their lives and in their relationships. Children and young people can respond differently from adults. They may become sad or anxious but they may show it in many different ways, for example they may find it hard to learn, have tantrums, exhibit challenging behaviour or struggle with friendships.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with adults is usually a talking therapy (unless the therapist specifically offers music, drama or art as a medium of expression). Adolescents too may like to talk but children will often communicate with the therapist through their play.

It is crucial that the individual in therapy, whether child or adult, knows that the thoughts and feelings they share with their therapist are not passed on without their express permission. However if a child, young person or adult is not safe for any reason, then this may need to be shared with other professionals or carers. This is always explained at the beginning of the work and generally does not happen without the individual knowing and hopefully giving his or her permission.

Sessions are usually once a week for 50 minutes in the same place, on the same day and at the same time. A set number of sessions may be offered or the work can be open ended so that the individual and the therapist together decide when it should come to an end.