British and French psychoanalysis offer distinct perspectives: British psychoanalysis, shaped by Klein and Winnicott, emphasises object relations and early development, while French psychoanalysis, influenced by Lacan, focuses on the symbolic order and language’s impact on identity. As a trilingual psychodynamic psychotherapist, I’ve found that switching languages in therapy reveals unique insights, blending these traditions to...

Here’s an excerpt from the essay: The British psychoanalytic tradition has been deeply shaped by the pioneering work of Melanie Klein, whose contributions revolutionised child analysis. Klein’s exploration of the infant's early psychological development shifted the focus of psychoanalysis from Freud’s emphasis on the Oedipal complex to the pre-Oedipal stage, where the infant’s relationship with...

Starting online therapy can be a transformative experience, but it requires thoughtful consideration of a few practical factors. Here’s a breakdown of what new clients should know. Technical Setup Clients must ensure they have a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions. Using a laptop or smartphone with a functioning camera and microphone is essential, though...

Ghosting, while seemingly a modern phenomenon, taps into deep-rooted psychological dynamics that psychoanalytic theory helps illuminate. When someone is ghosted, it triggers primal fears of abandonment and rejection, often stemming from early childhood experiences. According to Freud, these unresolved conflicts resurface in adulthood, leading to intense feelings of self-blame and inadequacy. The lack of closure...

As men enter midlife, the psychological and emotional challenges they face can become more pronounced. This period, often marked by significant transitions and introspection, can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Societal expectations further complicate these struggles, as men are frequently expected to maintain a strong, stoic demeanor despite the inner turmoil...

The Power of a Good Ending: How Couples Therapy Can Facilitate a Healthy Separation In the realm of relationships, a breakup can often feel like a complex, emotional labyrinth. While many seek couples therapy to salvage a faltering relationship, it's equally important to understand that therapy can play a vital role in guiding a couple...

In the bustling city of London, amid the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID lockdown, Rachel and Yannis—a successful IT engineer and a Greek trainee lawyer—found themselves drawn together. Their romance, sparked during a chance encounter in a local park, quickly deepened, leading Yannis to move into Rachel’s sophisticated flat. Yet beneath the surface, their relationship...

Breaks in psychodynamic psychotherapy, whether due to the therapist's absence or the client's, can stir profound unconscious dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. The consistent structure of weekly sessions creates a safe environment for clients to explore their inner world, but any disruption can evoke complex emotional responses rooted in early attachment experiences. When a therapist...

In online psychodynamic psychotherapy, missed sessions can carry significant psychological meaning beyond mere logistical challenges. While technical issues or scheduling conflicts might explain some absences, others may reveal deeper unconscious processes at play. For instance, a client might unknowingly resist the therapy's emotional intensity by "forgetting" to log in, or they might be testing the...

The Rise of Misogyny: A Psychological Exploration of Andrew Tate In recent years, the internet has seen a troubling surge in misogynistic attitudes, driven in part by influential figures like Andrew Tate. A former kickboxing champion turned social media influencer, Tate has become infamous for his controversial views on women. His recent arrest for human...