In brief, the aim is to deepen self-knowledge and self-acceptance in a lasting way, by entering into a particular kind of relationship with a therapist. This relationship is often long lasting, over some years, and comes to involve a level of openness and honesty that is not possible elsewhere in our daily lives. The relationship with one’s therapist may be likened to that with a close family member, who knows you well, perhaps better than you know yourself, but it differs in that the relationship is not a mutual friendship, but a professionalised focus on you and your mind.  Unconscious beliefs and feelings inevitably find an expression in the therapy, and in the evolving  relationship with the therapist, providing an opportunity for learning from this live emotional experience. 

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The raw material I work with is your day to day thoughts, your dreams, and the stream of consciousness that passes through your mind as you are present within the session. We will sit down and talk and I will invite you to speak freely and to say whatever is on your mind. We will meet once a week at the same time and for the same duration - 50 minutes. If  you feel that  you would benefit from further sessions, there may be a possibility of meeting twice a week.   

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Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help with a range of difficulties, but will be more applicable to those looking to understand and develop something within their personality in a longer term process of exploration. Psychotherapy might also be helpful to those who have found counselling useful but who are now looking to go "deeper" into things and to build sustained change in their lives. The approach may frustrate those that are looking for direct advice, or to learn specific coping strategies.