Last updated Aug 11, 2021 by 
Dr. Sheri Jacobson
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in London
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy based on psychodynamic principles makes use of the idea that how you behave now is determined by past experiences. Psychodynamic practice aims to help you make sense of your existing situation and of the feelings and thoughts and associated memories that are brought about by this situation. In psychodynamic counselling, these feelings, thoughts, images and even dreams can be analysed to gain deeper understanding of how you relate to yourself and to others.
Psychodynamic counselling employs strict boundaries with regards to session time-keeping, setting a therapeutic contract, breaks and endings. Such boundaries help to contain and hold the client. A psychodynamic counsellor usually keeps to the rule of abstinence and anonymity, so that the client knows little about the therapist. This can help show up transference reactions which can highlight important information about the client’s past experiences.
Psychodynamic counsellors work with ‘transference’ which is the process that occurs in therapy when the client responds to the counsellor as if to a significant other person from the client’s past. Transference allows the counsellor to learn more about the client’s developmental course from child to adult. Transference in the therapeutic relationship can be positive or negative. Positive transference may including feelings of care or concern for the other. Negative transference may involve feelings of dislike, loathing or mistrust. Psychodynamic therapists may also work with ‘counter transference’ which is the counsellor’s reactions towards the client.
What issues are suited for Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling has wide application. It can help with anxiety, stress in the work place, work-life imbalances, relationship issues (break-up, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding and premarital counselling), trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating problems and negative body image, depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal), phobias and fears, addiction, low self-esteem and confidence, abuse (including verbal and sexual abuse), bereavement, grief and loss.
Psychodynamic Therapy at Harley Therapy™ London
We have a number of therapists dedicated to the study and practice of psychodynamic therapy which they have seen help positively influence the lives of many clients. They offer their services to help you reach the transformation you are seeking. Call us to find out more or book online below to get started.
Further reading
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy vs CBT - Which to choose?
- Which type of therapy is right for me? How to choose between different therapy approaches
- Top ten myths about counselling and psychotherapy
- Jacobs, Michael (2004) – Psychodynamic Counselling in Action (3rd Edition)
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NHS
The NHS (National Health Service) is the UK's government run medical service. Their website is written and reviewed by medical experts.
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The UK Council for Psychotherapy
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is the UK’s leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. It regulates and registers trained and trainee counsellors.
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The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is an association for UK-based counselling professionals. It supports practitioners, enabling them to provide a better service.
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/about-bacp/
https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/what-we-do/accredited-registers/find-a-register/detail/british-association-for-counselling-psychotherapy
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The BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the UK’s national radio and TV broadcaster. It’s the world’s largest, with 35,402 staff and 28 operating languages.
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MIND
Mind is a mental health charity covering England and Wales. It offers support to people with mental health problems and lobbies local and national governments.
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Turning Point
Turning Point is a UK charity and social enterprise which works in the mental health, learning disabilities, substance abuse, criminal justice and employment areas.
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The Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation is a UK charity which helps people to understand, protect and improve their mental health.
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Young Minds
Young Minds is a UK charity which works to improve the mental health of children and young people by providing appropriate support and resources.
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Wikipedia
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How to book your session
Call us now on 0345 474 1724 OR
All of our practitioners are qualified and accredited with reputable professional associations for counselling and psychotherapy.
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MLA
Harley Therapy Ltd. “Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in London • Harley Therapy™”. Harley Therapy, 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/psychodynamic-psychotherapy-and-counselling-london.htm. Accessed 1 Dec. 2021.
APA
Harley Therapy Ltd. (2021, August 11). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in London • Harley Therapy™. Retrieved from https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/psychodynamic-psychotherapy-and-counselling-london.htm
CHICAGO
Harley Therapy Ltd. "Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in London • Harley Therapy™." Last modified August 11, 2021. Accessed December 1, 2021. https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/psychodynamic-psychotherapy-and-counselling-london.htm.
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