Many people will be new to the terms ‘psychodynamic counselling’ and ‘psychoanalytic psychotherapy’.. but both are talking therapies based on the theories and principles of psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic counselling is less focused on the client-therapist relationship, because it is equally focused on the client’s relationship with his or her external world. Psychodynamic counselling is usually shorter than psychoanalytic psychotherapy with respect to the frequency and number of sessions.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy takes the counselling process further. The therapist will be actively listening to the client with a view to making connections between past and present, particularly with reference to experiences of loss and trauma in very early in life. There will be a focus on the relationship between the client and therapist, as feelings about past relationships will most likely be re-enacted within the therapeutic relationship, at a very unconscious level.  It is the therapist's job to help the client become aware of what is going on, both within the therapeutic relationship and externally.

Psychoanalytic therapy seeks to facilitate deep and lasting change within, and to contribute to overall psychological well-being. Its focus is on the conflicts that prevent people from succeeding rather than on advising on how to succeed, and to help understand and resolve the underlying dynamics which cause anxiety rather than giving techniques to control anxiety. The discovery of new and positive ways of dealing with long-standing emotional difficulties is the key to desired breakthroughs in behavioural change.

Counsellors are usually referred to as ‘counsellor’, and psychotherapists as ‘psychotherapist’ or ‘therapist’. The titles reflect the depth of, and length of, training. Some counsellors also refer to themselves as a psychotherapist, although they may not undertaken the additional training. At this point in time this misuse of title is not illegal, so when searching for professional help it is advisable to check out qualifications, with the necessary professional body.

Counsellors are qualified to work with clients once a week; however, an accredited psychoanalytic psychotherapist can usually work with clients more frequently.

To begin, we will agree on a regular day or days each week to meet. I understand that life can sometimes get in the way, and there may be occasions when we need to find an alternative time—either for a single session or for a short period. While I may not always be able to accommodate changes due to existing commitments, I will do my best to be flexible whenever possible.

Invoices are issued at the end of each month, and I will always provide advance notice of any planned holidays.

It is standard professional practice to charge for missed sessions, including those you are unable to attend due to holidays or other commitments. The only exceptions are in rare and exceptional circumstances, such as sudden hospitalisation or similar emergencies.

A minimum of one month’s notice of ending therapy is usually expected from both sides. This allows us time to review our work together and bring the therapy to a thoughtful close.

There is no fixed timeline or predetermined process in therapy. Each person comes to therapy with their own unique reasons and goals, and my role is to support clients in making the most of our time together. Therapy concludes when clients feel ready — it’s entirely guided by their needs and sense of progress.

Goals can evolve throughout the process, sometimes extending the duration of therapy or increasing the frequency of sessions as deeper work begins. Quite simply, the more profound and lasting the desired change, the more time and commitment it will require.

Many people begin therapy with an understandable hope for quick results. However, meaningful change takes dedication and an openness to the process. There are no shortcuts — real transformation unfolds through time, trust, and patience. While the journey can be challenging, the outcomes are deeply rewarding and truly life-changing.

Across the profession worldwide, therapy costs are based on a therapist’s experience and qualifications.  In line with this mine are a reflection of my training and experience.

The fee for ongoing therapy will be discussed when answering an enquiry, or during the first meeting, which I will refer to as the consultation.

It’s actually quite common for therapy—whatever type it is—to uncover a whole mix of issues, some of which we might not have been aware of at all when we first started. As the process unfolds, people often find themselves discovering new layers of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that shed light on why they do what they do or feel how they feel.

If you’re someone who wants to understand yourself better and make real, lasting changes, talking things through with a psychodynamic therapist can be a powerful way to do that. Together, you can explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns might be shaping your present life, and gradually build a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional freedom.

That said, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a quick fix. Therapy takes time, effort, and a genuine desire to grow. There may be moments when it feels tough or uncomfortable—but those moments are often where real change begins. With patience and commitment, the process can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling way of living.