This section is for anybody interested in seeking an assessment for psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy
What is Psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy has a growing evidence base and relevance for many emotional difficulties. It was the first of the ‘talking therapies’ and has evolved with experience since Freud first developed it.
Some people using psychoanalytic psychotherapy initially comment on the lack of responsiveness from the therapist. The focus is on the therapeutic relationship and so the therapist will be more attuned to all the verbal and non verbal communications rather than social interaction.
How does Psychotherapy work
The therapeutic space created will allow you to articulate whatever is on your mind. This in itself might be of value. Whilst this (free association) is going on, the therapist is empathically discerning the subtle undercurrents of the communications. The therapist will be looking for themes and patterns within the vast amount of information consciously and unconsciously given. Core to this type of therapy is the relationship between therapist and patient, how this is formed and how it develops. The assumptions that are made about the therapist by the patient are very useful clues to the inner world (transference).
How long Psychotherapy lasts for
From this we can see that this psychotherapy is not prescribed or time limited. People explore and work with their inner world at very different speeds and depths. Compared with other therapies it usually tends to take longer but is better suited to permanent change and development.