Why Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a form of in-depth talking therapy rooted in the analytic belief that much of our emotional life is influenced by unconscious thoughts, feelings and memories. The therapist listens carefully and without judgement, looking to both conscious understanding and what might be hidden and harder to reach in your unconscious. It is through a collaborative process of exploration, paying attention to the relationship with the therapist, that it becomes possible to understand how the past repeatedly plays out in ways which might impede your ability to take up life more fully.
How do I work?
In sessions I invite you to speak freely, to talk about anything which comes to mind, no matter how relevant it may or may not seem: your day to day, your past, your relationships, your dreams. With curiosity and interest, we will explore the feelings that might otherwise go unnoticed, or unheard, bringing deeper meaning and understanding.
Psychoanalytic treatment aspires towards a deep, lasting resolution of difficulties, and for this reason treatment is open ended, taking time and commitment. The process is creative, but initially it can feel unfamiliar talking openly about what is on your mind, thus it can also feel difficult. It will likely bring up feelings and memories which do not want to be found, so a degree of motivation and curiosity about yourself is important.
The length of the treatment depends upon the nature of the problem and upon the frequency of sessions, between 1-3 times a week, sometimes more.
Further information including evidence base can be found at https://www.bpc.org.uk/information-support
Who can benefit?
There are many reasons for seeking therapy.
You might be seeking more general support with emotional difficulties that feel deeply rooted or repetitive; you may have been feeling stuck overwhelmed and struggling to move forwards in life and relationships.
You might be seeking therapy for more specific conditions such as anxiety and depression, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, gender identity and aspects of transitioning, self-harming behaviours, phobias, trauma, addictive or obsessional behaviours.
You might have had previous therapy but would like to have an experience enabling you to work at a deeper level, for longer.
Have questions?
If you would like to know more about psychoanalytic psychotherapy, or to make an appointment for an initial consultation, please contact me on 07871 022880 or at ellygoodridgepsychotherapy@gmail.com