Relational Work in Psychodynamic Therapy – What Does It Involve?

Exploring Relationship Dynamics

Relational work is a central part of psychodynamic therapy and relational psychotherapy. It focuses on understanding how your early relationships and life experiences continue to shape your current emotions, behaviours, and relationships. Rather than only looking at symptoms like anxiety or low mood, relational therapy explores the deeper emotional and relational patterns underneath.

In my work as a psychodynamic therapist in London and online, I pay close attention to what happens between us in the therapeutic relationship. This is because the way you relate to me often reflects how you experience relationships in your wider life. For example, patterns shaped by childhood experiences, attachment styles, trauma, loss, or cultural and family dynamics can show up in subtle ways during therapy sessions.

Through my MSc training in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at Birkbeck, University of London, and my clinical work across NHS Talking Therapies and private practice, I have supported clients with difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, OCD, attachment issues, relational patterns, and identity struggles. I have also worked extensively with people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and I bring an awareness of race, culture, migration, and social context into my clinical work.

Relational therapy involves becoming curious about how you experience closeness, distance, trust, conflict, and vulnerability. For instance, you may notice feelings of being misunderstood or unheard that repeat across different relationships. In therapy, these experiences are explored safely and collaboratively, allowing you to understand where these patterns came from and how they may be impacting your life now.

This process is not about quick fixes or advice. Instead, relational psychodynamic therapy offers a reflective and containing space where emotional experiences can be felt, understood, and slowly worked through. Over time, this can lead to deeper self-awareness, improved relationships, and a stronger sense of emotional stability.

Through my work offering online therapy psychotherapy, I aim to provide a safe, confidential and culturally sensitive space where clients can explore their emotional world, their relationships, and their personal histories with care and respect.

I welcome you to contact me to explore how your relationships may be impacting your present.