Frequently Asked Questions

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that explores the deep-seated feelings and thoughts that influence our behaviour. It is based on the belief that our unconscious mind - where we store repressed emotions and memories - plays a significant role in how we interact with the world. By bringing these hidden aspects of ourselves to the surface, we can gain a better understanding of the patterns that shape our relationships, decisions, and overall well-being. 

We offer therapy in person at our practice in Balfern Grove, Chiswick, London W4, near Turnham Green Underground Station, or at The Greenhouse Therapy Rooms. We also work online via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. 

The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others find longer-term therapy more effective. We’ll work together to figure out what best suits you. 

Sessions typically occur once or twice a week. We’ll agree a frequency based on your specific situation and what feels right for you.

Our sessions start at £80 for individuals and £140 for couples.   

In each session, you’ll have the opportunity to talk openly about your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will listen, offer insights, and help you connect your past experiences with your current challenges.  We’ll be looking for the ‘why’ behind how you’re feeling now, and what to do about that. 

It’s possible to feel more intense emotions as you begin to explore deeper issues, but this is a normal part of the healing process. Your therapist will support you through this, helping you to navigate these feelings. 

Yes, everything you share in therapy is kept confidential, with a few exceptions related to safety, which your therapist will explain in your first session. Your therapist abides by the BACP and BPC ethical codes of conduct.

Psychodynamic therapy is beneficial for many people, particularly if you’re interested in understanding yourself more deeply. In our first few sessions, we’ll discuss your goals and determine if this approach aligns with your needs. 

Progress in therapy can look different for everyone. It might be feeling more in control of your emotions, having clearer insights into your behaviour, or noticing positive changes in your relationships. We’ll regularly review your progress together.

Childhood experiences can often play a significant role in shaping who we are today, so they will likely come up in therapy.  

Yes.  We’re not easily shocked.  We’re trying to understand what’s going on for you in your unconscious and make sense of it. 

It’s normal to feel hesitant at first. Building trust with your therapist takes time, and you’ll never be pressured to share more than you’re comfortable with. 

Over time, you might notice shifts in how you think, feel, and interact with others. We’ll regularly check in to see how you’re feeling about the process. 

A good therapeutic relationship is crucial. If you ever feel that the fit isn’t right, we can discuss it openly and explore other options. 

There’s no need to prepare in a specific way. Just come as you are. Over time, you might find it helpful to reflect on your thoughts and feelings between sessions, but this is entirely up to you.

If you’re late, your therapist will be ready to start when you arrive. Unfortunately, the session will still need to finish on time and we charge for missed sessions.

Getting started is easy. Just reach out to schedule an initial consultation, where we can discuss your needs and see if psychodynamic psychotherapy is a good fit for you.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding the unconscious influences behind your behaviours and emotions, often exploring past experiences. Other therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), may focus more on changing specific thoughts and behaviours in the present and give you coping strategies to tackle the anxiety in the moment.

Your therapist will be available to you consistently for your sessions. We do not normally encourage contact between sessions. If the gaps between weekly sessions feels too long, we can discuss increasing the frequency.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on talking through issues rather than using medication. However, if you feel that medication would be helpful, we would encourage you to see your GP.

We like to take notes either during or immediately after our sessions to help reflect on the subjects clients raise at the time. We only do this with your clearly expressed consent. All notes or recordings are anonymised and kept in strict accordance with GDPR.

Sometimes physical symptoms can be linked to emotional stress. By exploring the psychological aspects of your experiences, therapy can potentially alleviate some of these symptoms, although it’s important to also consult with medical professionals for a comprehensive approach.

Your therapist will reserve the same session time for you from the start of your therapy until its completion and will discuss the approach to holidays if you mutually decide to proceed.

If you experience a crisis, it’s important to seek immediate help, such as contacting a crisis hotline or going to Accident & Emergency at the nearest hospital. We can discuss how to handle crises during our sessions to ensure you have the support you need and there is a list of resources here.