Psychodynamic counselling at our Edinburgh centre

We are pleased to offer psychodynamic counselling at our Edinburgh counselling and psychology centre.

What is psychodynamic counselling?

Psychodynamic counselling initially evolved from the work of Freud and centres on the concept that many of the problems we currently experience develop from childhood and are the result of mental processes that are hidden from us in our unconscious.

How does psychodynamic counselling work?

In psychodynamic counselling, it is assumed early experiences shape the way our minds work so the counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist helps the client explore their problems and make sense of them by looking to the past. The patient is encouraged to bring their true feelings to the surface so they can experience, understand and gain insight into aspects of the self of which they were previously unaware. These feelings may be held in the unconscious mind because they are difficult to face. The counsellor then offers suggestions as to what is going on and in doing so, it is hoped these feelings become more bearable, the client is able to see how these past conflicts link to their current problems and find alternative ways of doing things. For example, difficulties in current relationships may be due to feelings of anger towards a parent for neglect as a child.

Who would psychodynamic counselling suit?

Psychodynamic counselling allows the client to explore unresolved issues and conflicts from the past that are believed to affect them in the present and it can therefore help with a wide variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, trauma, phobias, grief and loss to name but a few.

How many sessions of psychodynamic counselling will I need?

The number of sessions needed depends on each individual and their unique presenting problems. However, as sessions involve working through issues from the past the psychodynamic approach may require a longer time commitment but your counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist will discuss this matter with you at your initial session.