Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a process in which patient and therapist work together to understand the patient's thoughts, feelings and behaviours which have contributed to mental health problems, substance use, difficult relationships, problems with identity, self esteem, and issues at work and home. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is based on the theory of Psychoanalysis which aims to understand unconscious processes; that is processes that we are generally unaware of and that are impacting how we see ourselves and others. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy aims to reduce unhelpful and repetitive patterns of behaviour which cause pain in a person's life and aims to promote personality change and development. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy aims to reduce symptoms and alleviate distress for people suffering from serious psychological problems. People who experience difficulties in relationships, are not enjoying their life as fully as they would like, or want to know about their inner mental life more fully can be helped and their lives enriched by this type of therapy.

Therapy is tailored to the individual needs of each client. It may be short, medium or long term. As each person is unique and their reason for presentation varied it is not possible to start an exact time frame. Thiis will be discussed with each client at assessment and in an ongoing manner as needed.

Therapy may be short, medium or long term. The first 2-3 sessions are dedicated to assessment. This allows time for the therapist to gather information about you and to begin the process of establishing a relationship with you. Any questions that you may have about the therapy can be explored at this time, and during further sessions as needed. Most Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is medium to long term. This is necessary because it often takes some time to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship. It takes time to discuss difficult issues and to uncover unconscious process both us which contribute to bringing about lasting change in a person's life. Sessions run for 50 minutes and the patient is offered the same day and time each week to ensure continuity and a feeling of safety. Patients usually attend once or more times weekly.

As a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist I am trained to listen and to respond to emotional reactions in a manner that helps you to understand the meaning and the underlying reasons behind your difficulties. For some people this process may be brief and for others this process may take some time. I will work with you in therapy to help you to manage:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulties associated with major life changes and/or crisis
• Trauma
• PTSD
• Substance use
• Loss & grief
• Relationship issues
• Personality problems
• Problems getting along with others
• Building positive relationships with your baby/child
• Adolescents with anxiety, depression or relationships or behavioural difficulties
• Couples counselling

Therapy is strictly confidential and aims to provide a safe and reliable environment to explore the painful and confusing feelings that you may be finding hard to face. It is often a great relief to be understood. When we achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves, we often experience a feeling of greater freedom, and more room to manoeuvre in situations which may have felt unresolvable, or stuck.