What is Analytic Psychotherapy?

Psychoanalysis or Analytic Psychotherapy can be helpful for a broad range of symptoms including: anxiety, panic attacks, depression, bereavement, paranoia, addictions, eating disorders, self harm, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, professional difficulties, relationship problems, unexplained physical symptoms and difficulties around identity, gender and sexuality.

There are many labels for different kinds of psychotherapy which can be confusing. It is important to tailor any approach to the individual but broadly speaking, psychoanalysis is rooted in the idea of the unconscious. As our unknown layers of being open up, our day to day life can become more manageable. We come to better understand what drives us and so find we can consider our lives from a new, more detailed perspective.

You might say we wake up to ourselves.

The therapeutic process seeks to explore all aspects of our lives. Though one issue may take centre stage, it is very unlikely to be isolated from the bigger picture. Consequently, it is usually a long-term process, rather than a ‘quick fix’ of a particular problem. The benefit of this is the possibility of fundamental change enabling a more engaged way of living.

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is of critical importance to the process. The psychoanalytic relationship is the place where we can really explore our way of being in the world and around other people, in a safe and consistent environment. This can lead to better and more fulfilling relationships outside of the therapy room.