Psychoanalytic psychotherapy
An in-depth form of treatment, with a precise focus on conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, physical responses and long standing patterns of relating.
How the work begins
The first step in psychotherapy is to assess the nature and extent of your problems and talk together about how to proceed. This will usually be at least two to three appointments in which we discuss the matters that are currently problematic in your life. I will ask what you hope to gain from attending psychotherapy. If I do not think that I am suitable for your purposes, I will attempt to suggest another professional for you to consult.
How I work
Most clinical psychologists have a range of training in how to address emotional and mental health problems. My preference is to work in a psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approach. This means that regular attendance is required, where we work towards a thorough and detailed understanding of the matters that impede your life.
Learning to overcome difficulties and recover from past trauma takes time. Some matters need repeated attention over many sessions, so the way I work is not a quick fix. The aim is to proceed at a rate that is manageable for you.
Together we analyse what enhances and what impedes your choices for growth. Sessions can be either with us sitting facing each other, or you may prefer to lie on the couch.
This approach requires the patient to speak about whatever comes to mind, at a pace that is manageable. In doing so, we begin to weave a picture of where things work well for you, along with those matters which are causing distress, anxiety, sadness, depression and any other array of strong emotions. All behaviour and emotions have meaning, but the meanings are not always clear at first. Time and dedication to the process is required.
Things worth considering first
It is important to think about your personal situation when making a commitment to regular psychotherapy.
- Who will support you emotionally in this decision?
- Do you have sufficient time and resources to devote to starting a longer term psychotherapy plan?
All of these matters can be discussed with me. Medicare rebates are limited to ten sessions per calendar year, and many people require treatment that exceeds this.
I welcome a call if you would like to consider a medium to long term psychoanalytic treatment.
Other treatment options
Some patients prefer a less intensive style of treatment. In this case an assessment is still required to understand the nature of your difficulties. For many people, a cognitive-behavioural therapy approach can be very successful, especially for overcoming anxiety and panic disorders. Many patients also benefit when CBT is used in conjunction with an emotionally-focused therapy.
It is reasonably common for patients to want their intense symptoms to reduce and to be calmer, only to find that they would then like to understand their deeper selves more closely.