on the couch

I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is a longer-term approach to therapy (though it does have shorter-term applications) which encourages growth in awareness and deep-seated change as opposed to focusing upon the short-term relief of symptoms. Notwithstanding, symptomatic relief often emerges as a result of the way the psychodynamic approach facilitates enduring shifts in one's way of seeing and experiencing. 

The psychodynamic approach situates emotions at the centre of how we understand ourselves and relate to others. Accordingly, within this approach, the process of healing and growth takes place as emotions are felt, modulated, communicated and understood (Wallin, 2015). As such, I offer a non-judgemental space in which to explore emotions that may be difficult to face up to.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy strives to uncover the recurring themes in a patient's life, their developmental influences, their unmet needs and unfulfilled wishes in order to unburden patients from unnecessary baggage. Evidence suggests that patients who receive psychodynamic psychotherapy maintain therapeutic gains and continue to experience positive change long after therapy has concluded (Shedler, 2009).

The therapist and patient should meet regularly in order for psychodynamic psychotherapy to be effective, and as such I recommend committing to weekly sessions.