Approach

Psychodynamic counsellors practise a “talking therapy” - which largely means that you talk and they listen. Sessions are generally yours to use as you wish, but from time to time the counsellor will reflect on what you have said in a way that helps to make sense of what's going on. They may make connections between various parts of your story, offer you perspectives that you may not have considered and gently encourage you to explore issues more deeply.

How it works

After an initial assessment of one or two sessions, a verbal contract is agreed and a day and time is then yours. Sessions last for 50 minutes and take place at a fixed time on a weekly basis. Although short-term therapy provides support, especially when dealing with an immediate crisis, counselling with no predetermined end date offers a greater opportunity for change. It is only over a longer period that a therapeutic trust and understanding is able to develop and deepen allowing clients to safely explore difficult patterns of thought and behaviour.

Your commitment

It takes courage to seek counseling but it is through the questioning and reflecting on the way we live our lives that we are able to recognize, heal and change unhelpful ways of living. Research supports the view that the level of the trust and empathy between client and counsellor is more important than the type of therapy or any particular theory. It is therefore important to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable with.

• Make an appointment
• How long will it take? and other important questions
• Cost and commitment
• Take the next step

The trust and empathy between client and counsellor is more important than the type of therapy or any particular theory.