How does analytical psychotherapy work?

In analytical psychotherapy, a space is created where a person is free to say whatever occurs to them, and whatever they feel they need to say. This allows for a free exploration of thoughts, memories, anxieties, dreams, questions and connections. We are all profoundly shaped by our early life experiences, and our adult relationships reflect our early environment in ways we are often not aware of. In the dynamics of the relationship with the therapist, as well as in our ordinary lives, we bring to life aspects of our inner world. Analytical psychotherapy involves learning to recognise and understand those dynamics. This can free us to relate in different ways and to feel more grounded in who we are. 

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy? 

In general, people often seek counselling for a specific issue, perhaps one where they feel they would like support for a limited period of time. Some counsellors use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, focusing on changing behaviour by learning techniques for thinking in a different way. This often involves doing homework between sessions and working towards specific goals over a set period of time. This might well be what your GP might refer you for if you seek help through the NHS.  

Psychotherapy is often more wide-ranging, seeking to understand the roots of the difficulties we experience. Many of the influences on who we are and how we relate to other people are not available to our conscious minds, and have been shaped by our early relationships. In psychotherapy, we can make links between different areas of our lives, come to recognise patterns in our ways of relating to ourselves and others and find a deeper understanding than may have been possible before. 

What kind of time commitment is involved?

Sessions are 50 minutes long and psychotherapy needs a minimum frequency of once a week. It is difficult to say how long the process takes, as it depends very much on the individual person, what they need and how the process unfolds. However, it can last from several months to a number of years. It can also be helpful to come more frequently than once a week.  

I'm not quite sure this is what I'm looking for but I'd like to find out more. How do I do this?

If you have questions or would like to understand more about what psychotherapy involves, please get in touch by telephone, email, or through the contact form. Once we've had an initial conversation and I've answered your questions, you may want to arrange an initial consultation. This is a chance for both of us to get a sense of what you are looking for, how I work and whether I can help you. Often this process of deciding whether to go forward with therapy can take two or more sessions, and it is important to trust your own instincts about what feels right for you. 

What do you charge? 

My fee depends on individual circumstances, and this can be discussed at an initial consultation. I sometimes have a small number of spaces available on a reduced fee basis for those on low incomes.