In Treatment

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a non-directive talking therapy, which means that what happens in each 50 minute therapy session is determined by the client. They might choose to talk, play, draw or sit and think quietly with the therapist.

The therapist will be attentive to the content and process of the session and will verbalise observations and interpretations about what might be happening both consciously and unconsciously in the room.

The psychotherapist will be attentive to the themes that develop in what the individual brings to therapy and will make links between past and present experiences. This enables a better understanding of what might be going on for the client so that change can happen.

 

Treatment Model

  • Initial consultation with the client (and their parent/carer if appropriate) lasting approximately 1 hour
  • Six individual psychotherapy assessment sessions of 50 minute duration over six consecutive weeks
  • Review appointment with the client (and their parent/carer if appropriate) to consolidate the assessment and agree together whether to continue or terminate psychotherapy 
  • Continued weekly psychotherapy with regular reviews as appropriate to the needs of the client
  • Psychotherapy is available in person and online
Psychotherapy Treatment Duration

How long psychotherapy continues depends on the nature of the referral, the person's history, and their reason for embarking on therapy. Some people benefit from a brief psychotherapeutic intervention of weeks, for others, a longer term intervention of months or years is indicated. 

The decisions to begin and end therapy are important ones that are made jointly between the client and the therapist. Careful planning and thinking is essential before starting or stopping therapy, however brief and whatever the age of the young person. Sudden, unplanned breaks and endings can replicate previous losses. This will usually have a psychologically detrimental effect and should therefore be avoided. A timely and carefully planned ending can be of huge psychological and emotional benefit and can bring about a sense of reparation. 

The Unconscious


Psychodynamic psychotherapists, in particular, believe in the power of the unconscious mind. The unconscious is present in what we say and do as well as in our play, drawings, dreams, decisions, jokes and slips of the tongue (known as Freudian slips). The unconscious contains relics of past experiences, which continue to influence us in the present, often without our conscious awareness.

Becoming aware of the unconscious can enable us to manage our emotions and experiences, make safer choices, have healthier relationships, achieve better mental health and live happier, more rewarding lives. 

Jeanine Connor © 2021 (update)