Psychoanalytic psychotherapy has been practiced for over a century, based on a model of the mind developed by Sigmund Freud and his colleagues.
Whereas other forms of therapy may take a structured approach and focus on the "here and now", you might find that psychoanalytic therapy takes a different approach. Whatever the difficulty that you are seeking help with, there will be a focus on aspects of yourself that you may not be consciously aware of, with an attempt to notice patterns between current difficulties and earlier life experiences. A psychoanalytic approach allows for us to look at what takes place between you and your therapist with the aim of gaining insight into what gets repeated over time.
Following a psychoanalytic therapy, there can be a long-lasting and deep-seated change in a person's life, develpment, and way of relating to themselves and others. There is good evidence that a positive process of change continues long after a therapy has ended and that the effect is enduring.
For information on the evidence to support the effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, see the BPC website.
What to Expect
Typically, a session will last for 50 mins and will take place at the same time and location each week. Frequency of sessions can vary from once, up to five times a week (I offer therapy up to three times a week). Treatment can be shorter or longer term but often continues for many months and usually for a number of years.
A psychoanalytic therapy will generally not focus on a specific task or structure as might be the case in other forms of therapy. Instead, you will be encouraged to bring whatever comes to mind during a session. Your therapist will be listening closely and may occasionally ask questions or suggest links but they are typically less directive and may stay away from giving advice or practical suggestions.
