Psychotherapy draws on theories and practices of analytical psychology and psychoanalysis. It is a therapeutic process which helps patients understand and resolve their problems by increasing awareness of their inner world and its influence over relationships both past and present. It differs from most other therapies in aiming for a deep-seated understanding of personality and emotional development and thus a possible change in behaviour long term.

 

Psychotherapy is often used to help people with serious psychological disorders to understand and change complex, deep-seated and often unconsciously based emotional and relationship problems thereby reducing symptoms and alleviating distress. However, psychotherapy is not limited only to those with psychological disorders. Many people who experience a loss of meaning in their lives or who are seeking a greater sense of fulfilment may be helped by psychotherapy.

 

Sometimes people seek help for specific reasons such as eating disorders, psycho-somatic conditions, obsessive behaviour, or phobic anxieties. At other times help is sought because of more general underlying feelings of depression or anxiety, difficulties in concentrating, dissatisfaction with work, anger or inability to form satisfactory relationships. It may benefit adults, children, and adolescents. 

 

Occasionally, psychotherapy might be of short duration but generally speaking, psychotherapy is best considered as a long-term treatment involving a considerable commitment for both client and therapist. It is not a quick fix solution.

 

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a therapist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and nonjudgmental. You and your therapist will work together to identify and change the thought and behaviour patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

 

There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. Therapist generally draws on one or more of these. Each theoretical perspective acts as a roadmap to help the therapist understand their clients and their problems and develop a new way of addressing the issues at hand.

 

There are different modalities of psychotherapy. Like most therapists, I don’t tie myself to any one approach. Instead, I blend elements from different approaches and tailor treatment according to each client’s needs. I will discuss how I  work and the models that I use on your initial visit. Please feel free to ask for further clarification if you are not sure of any terms used.