Working together
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach where client and therapist accept that past experiences and early relationships influence the present. These experiences become encoded in our expectations of ourselves and others, shaping our internal emotional landscape and relationships with the world around us. We are social creatures who need connection with others to explore our hurt and our potential. Thinking about the groups we belong to, our experiences within them, our identities and experiences of discrimination are important areas for exploration in psychodynamic work.
The relationship between therapist and client provides space to explore how past experiences manifest in the present. These might be difficult thinking patterns, bodily symptoms or illnesses, or a long-lasting sense of sadness, anxiety or depression, or another diagnosis. We might think of these as ways you have learned to manage hurt, confusion or painful feelings. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help understand why they might have been important and what they continue to offer, even if they aren’t helpful anymore. Doing so can lessen their influence and create space for new experiences.
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals aged 18+. They might be experiencing difficulties in relationships or struggling with a current or past experiences. They might be grappling with changes in their lives and the complex feelings any change - even positive ones - can bring us into contact with. Every client comes for their own collection of reasons, so we spend time thinking carefully about these in our consultation.
What is a consultation?
It is a first session where we can meet, understand your situation and hopes for therapy, and explore your background. It is intended to give you an idea of how I work and what it might be like to work together. We might meet 2 or 3 times to think carefully about what might help. If we agree I am not the right therapist for you, I will make sure to connect you with someone who can help you.
What do you offer?
I offer long-term, open-ended therapy where I can be alongside a client for however long they need. We do not set an end date for therapy when we start working together, but collaboratively review our work throughout. Endings are discussed in advance and planned for as they can be difficult; we give ourselves time to prepare, thinking about what has taken place and what the future might hold.
Where do you work?
I work in-person in London Bridge and online via Zoom. We meet regularly, either once or twice a week for sessions, and each session lasts 50 minutes. In order to get the most from therapy, it’s best to meet regularly and at the same time each week. This becomes your session time and I commit to keeping it as yours for the duration of our work together. Any changes will be discussed in advance.
What about shorter-term work?
I also offer shorter-term work if a potential client has a specific problem they want to focus on, a budget they have put aside for therapy, or if circumstances like a house move or pregnancy are on the horizon. We agree on the length and focus of our work during our initial consultation. These might change as our work progresses; any shifts in focus are collaboratively thought about together.
How much do you charge?
My fees for therapy are on a sliding scale starting at £70 per session for 50 minutes. Consultations are £90 for 90 minutes. Payment is monthly in arrears and usually via bank transfer. Other financial situations can be considered. I have a limited number of concession spaces and encourage you to contact me to discuss these. Fees and arrangements for sessions are discussed during the consultation.