Psychotherapy

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is sometimes referred to as 'the talking cure'. It recognises the importance of childhood and family history, and the context and reality of individual lives and how these shape the present. It acknowledges the significance of unconscious processes, fantasies and dreams, while mindful of the many forces that shape human lives and cause suffering and unhappiness.

For someone who is very depressed, or in despair, the therapeutic relationship can facilitate insight and understanding which contributes to a greater sense of responsibility and purpose in life.

Psychotherapy is an intensive process and is usually of longer duration than counselling, although brief focused work is sometimes a possibility.

Who is psychotherapy for?

Someone who:

• would like to explore alternatives to medication
• is in emotional distress, anxiety or depression
• shows repetitive or destructive patterns of behaviour
• suffers eating disorders, phobias or panic attacks
• finds it difficult to communicate and show feelings
• is in a difficult relationship
• fails to find meaning and purpose in life
• has questions about their sexual orientation

What psychotherapy is not

Psychotherapy is not psychiatry or psychology.

I do not prescribe medication or provide psychometric tests and evaluations.

I am not able to take on anyone who is acutely psychotic, or who is unable to control their use of alcohol or drugs, or anyone who is violent.