FAQs

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone as it usually requires a significant time commitment and can be intensive. The choice of therapy should be based on your own specific situation and goals.

Clients come with a range of problems or issues, sometimes they are aware of what the issue is for them; and sometimes they just want to live more fully, understand themselves or others more. I am experienced working with;
Anxiety and stress, including OCD and panic attacks
Depression, including Bi-polar
Trauma, including CSA and neglect
Addictions, process and substance abuse
Eating Disorders
Increasing Self Worth and Self Esteem
Finding purpose
Phobias, Fears or Bad Habits
Personality Disorders
PTSD and DID
Relationship difficulties and sexual issues
Bereavement and loss

You will be encouraged to talk freely about your thoughts, feelings, and memories without censorship. This allows unconscious thoughts and emotions to surface. You might bring dreams to the session, which may be examined to reveal hidden symbols and meanings that can shed light on your mind. Your feelings and attitudes to me may be explored; this helps to uncover unresolved conflicts from your past. I will provide insights and interpretations into your thoughts and behaviours, with the aim of uncovering underlying unconscious conflicts and defence mechanisms.

In addition, childhood experiences and relationships are explored to understand how they may influence current thoughts and behaviours.

The short answer to this is that I don’t know. For some clients short term or brief therapy is sufficient, but more often people want or need longer term support.

Sessions usually occur at least on a weekly basis. Once a week is the usual starting point for this type of work, but there can be flexibility. However, for the greatest benefit psychoanalytic psychotherapy is undertaken several times a week.

Sessions are £55 per hour. Payments taken by cash, cheques, bank transfer or secure card payment system.

Sessions are offered face to face, via telephone, Skype or email. If you have a preferred platform, such as facetime, I can usually accommodate this. And you would be responsible for making sure the environment is suitable for a psychotherapy session; so that you would be able to give the session your full attention; so driving, or on a train, or coffee shop… wouldn’t create the right atmosphere for you to do important personal exploration of your feelings.

If you’re unable to make your session, let me know and we will reschedule. Sessions that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice we be charged at the full price. If I have to cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice, your next session will be free.

It is not unusual for clients to feel a little embarrassed talking about their problems, this can be part of the problem. Thankfully shame and stigma of getting helping and receiving talking therapy is becoming a thing of the past. I understand that our relationship as psychotherapist and client is a unique; many of my clients have said “I’ve never told anybody that before.” and they’ve also appreciated that they don’t have to take care of my feelings when they are sharing something deeply personal or painful. We work at your pace, and go at the level of change that you’re comfortable with.

Many clients find me through their own networks, via word of mouth, which is a great honour because they trust and know that I will keep their confidence. Currently the code of ethics of both UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy governing body) and NLPtCA (Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association) prohibit members from gathering and advertising testimonials from clients. So whilst I have many notes and cards of thanks; and a whole host of feedback from clients I am not permitted to share.