Understanding Psychodynamic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding how past experiences, especially early relationships, shape how you think, feel, and relate to others in the present. Rather than just addressing surface symptoms, we explore underlying patterns, emotional responses, and unconscious processes that may be influencing your current difficulties.
Alongside talking therapy, I integrate symbolic and creative elements such as sandplay. This allows thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words to emerge in a different way. Working with symbols can offer a deeper, often surprising insight into unconscious patterns and emotional life.
Sandplay involves creating scenes using miniature objects in a tray of sand. It may sound simple, but it can be a powerful way of expressing inner experiences. For many people, it opens up access to emotions, memories, and relational patterns that are not easily reached through conversation alone.
Couples therapy in this approach explores not just what is happening between you, but why. We look at how each partner’s early experiences and internal expectations of relationships may be shaping current dynamics—often outside of awareness. The aim is not to assign blame, but to develop understanding and create space for change.
This is not a quick-fix approach. Psychodynamic work takes time because it involves understanding deeply rooted patterns and emotional responses. While this may feel slower, it often leads to more meaningful and lasting change.
This way of working can support individuals and couples who feel stuck in repeating patterns—such as conflict cycles, difficulties with intimacy, anxiety in relationships, or a sense of disconnection. It is particularly helpful if you are curious about understanding yourself and your relationships at a deeper level.
Not at all. There is no right or wrong way to engage with sandplay or symbolic work. The process is guided and exploratory, you don’t need any artistic skill, only a willingness to be curious about your inner world.