Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a talking therapy that helps you explore unconscious patterns, past experiences, and emotional conflicts that may be affecting your current life. It focuses on understanding why you think, feel and behave the way you do, helping create lasting change rather than just managing symptoms.
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2. How can psychodynamic psychotherapy help with anxiety?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps with anxiety by exploring the underlying emotional causes, not just the surface symptoms. Anxiety often has roots in earlier experiences, relationship patterns or unresolved feelings. By bringing these into awareness, you can reduce symptoms and develop healthier ways of coping and relating.
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3. How can psychodynamic therapy help with depression?
Psychodynamic therapy helps with depression by addressing unresolved grief, low self-worth, internalised criticism, and relationship difficulties. It allows you to understand emotional blocks and repetitive patterns that may contribute to low mood, helping you build a more compassionate relationship with yourself and others.
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4. How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses more on current thoughts and behaviours, while psychodynamic psychotherapy explores deeper unconscious processes and past experiences. CBT can be helpful for short-term symptom relief, whereas psychodynamic therapy often focuses on long-lasting emotional and relational change.
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5. How long does psychodynamic psychotherapy take?
There is no fixed length. Some people engage in short-term psychodynamic therapy (around 12–24 sessions), while others choose open-ended therapy to explore deeper issues over time. We work together to find a pace and duration that suits your needs.
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6. Is psychodynamic therapy suitable for everyone?
Psychodynamic therapy can be helpful for many people, especially those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and unresolved childhood experiences. However, therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and we will discuss your individual needs in the first session.
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7. What issues can psychodynamic psychotherapy help with?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy can support individuals with:
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression and low mood
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Trauma and childhood emotional neglect
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Relationship and attachment difficulties
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Low self-esteem and identity issues
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Grief and loss
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Emotional regulation difficulties​​
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9. What happens in a psychodynamic therapy session?
In a session, you are encouraged to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, relationships, and experiences. Then I will help you notice patterns, make connections, and understand emotional blocks in a safe, confidential space.
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10. How confidential is psychodynamic therapy?
Therapy is confidential. Everything you share is treated with sensitivity and respect, except in rare situations where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, in line with professional and legal guidelines.
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11. How do I know if psychodynamic therapy is right for me?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or feeling stuck in repeating patterns, psychodynamic psychotherapy may help. You’re welcome to contact me for an initial consultation to explore whether this approach feels right for you.