Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

My clinical practice is guided by relational psychoanalytic frameworks, contemporary psychodynamic theories and trauma-informed approaches; with the flexible integration of other evidence-based frameworks, such as Mindfulness and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), when clinically appropriate. This integrative stance allows me to see the complexity of human functioning through a dimensional, person-centred lens, where therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs while maintaining a depth-oriented focus on understanding the underlying causes of distress.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a conversational and relational approach grounded in the understanding that unacknowledged thoughts, feelings, and early relational experiences can significantly influence emotional well-being, self-esteem, relationships, and one’s capacity to connect with others. Often, painful emotions and thoughts are managed by pushing them out of conscious awareness. Even when these experiences are not consciously recognised, they continue to shape how we think, feel, speak, and behave. Symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, or a pervasive sense of unease are therefore understood not simply as problems to be eliminated, but as meaningful signals of deeper, unresolved needs and conflicts. Through the process of talking and reflection, psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to help uncover what lies beneath conscious awareness, fostering insight, self-understanding, and emotional clarity.

In addition to understanding and addressing symptoms, I am also interested in enhancing mental health and wellbeing through the co-created, compassionate and respectful reflective processes. The relational psychodynamic framework views each person as complex and multifaceted, shaped by both internal dynamics and relational histories. Therapy focuses on strengthening one’s capacity to respond to adversity with greater flexibility rather than reactivity, and on developing qualities associated with psychological health. These include a sense of safety and secure attachment, self-consistency and continuity of identity, self-efficacy, resilience, reflective functioning, self-advocacy, vitality, and self-acceptance. Wellbeing is also fundamentally underpinned by the capacities for love, work, and play, all of which form an essential focus of the therapeutic dialogue in our work together.

An important aspect of this work involves differentiating between normal emotional experiences - such as sadness or nervousness - and clinical conditions like depression or anxiety. By developing a deeper understanding of emotions and its origins, psychodynamic therapy supports individuals not only in alleviating symptoms, but in addressing the underlying patterns that limit fulfilment. The ultimate aim is to foster new perspectives, healthier ways of relating to oneself and others, and a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards

~ Soren Kierkegaard.

Starting Therapy

It does take a leap of faith to seek therapy, as it can be unnerving to engage with a therapist or to connect with a new psychologist after previous therapy experiences. Here is the first step to engage:

Contact me via phone or email.
I will get back to you via your preferred method (phone or email) to arrange an appointment. I am happy to arrange a time for us to have a brief (i.e. 10 to 15 minutes) conversation about therapy over the phone, to help you decide if this is what you are looking for and to arrange the initial appointment (in person only).
At your first session we will further explore your reasons for coming to therapy, identify your therapeutic goals and discuss arrangements for future appointments.

In psychodynamic psychotherapy, the first 2 to 3 sessions will serve as an initial assessment phase, where I will learn about you and hear your story. I would also prefer to meet you in person during the first few sessions rather than online.

During this period, it will also allow you to determine if you feel comfortable with me and if I am the right therapist for you. From there, I will share my insights and understanding of you and your situation, and we can discuss our therapeutic fit and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and concerns.

Following the initial assessment phase, I aim to provide you with a regular and ongoing appointment schedule moving forward.

The First Session(s)

Length of Therapy

The duration of therapy differs greatly from person to person. It depends on your goals for therapy, the complexity of your challenges, and other practical factors to be considered. Psychodynamic psychotherapy does not offer quick solutions and is a longer-term treatment. It involves us meeting frequently (typically and ideally on a weekly basis) over an extended period of time, and is often an open-ended approach. It takes as long as necessary to reach the goals we establish. This type of therapy is less structured, insight oriented, focuses more on your thoughts and feelings, which we explore, ponder and reflect together. Our time together is intended to make space for the undiscovered parts of yourself.

To be candid, I tend to work the best and most effectively if I can see patients on a regular basis (i.e. weekly) for at least a period of 6 to 12 months. I regard the course of therapy a reflective and compassionate journey with my patients; not only I listen to their concerns, desires and ambivalence, but also being an empathetic witness of their lived experiences. We can discuss this further and reach an agreement on this when we meet.

In-Person & Telehealth Sessions

I work most effectively within an in-person therapeutic setting; however, I am able to offer flexibility through Telehealth when circumstances prevent attendance in person. That said, I wish to emphasise the clinical importance of in-person engagement in psychodynamic psychotherapy and intend to maintain this as my primary mode of practice. It is clinically essential and therapeutically paramount that I see patients in-person during the early phase of treatment, especially the initial appointment.