“I Fear the Greeks, Even Those Bearing Gifts” – The Hidden Layers of Trust in Therapy

In his epic work The Aeneid, the Roman poet Virgil wrote the famous line, “I fear the Greeks, even those bearing gifts,” as a cautionary tale about deception and trust. In many ways, this ancient sentiment mirrors the internal struggles clients face when they come to therapy: fear […]

Aristotle and Freud: Civic Friendship, Truth, and the Bonds of Society

Introduction Human relationships form the fabric of society, and how these relationships are understood has been a focal point for thinkers throughout history. From ancient philosophers like Aristotle to modern theorists like Sigmund Freud, the question of how individuals relate to one another, and how they negotiate the […]

Hope and Fear: The Emotional Traps in Relationships with Narcissists

Introduction Being in a relationship with a narcissist can feel overwhelming. In the beginning, they are often charming and attentive, making their partner feel like they’ve found someone special. However, as time passes, the dynamic becomes emotionally draining and, in many cases, damaging. If you’re in this type […]

The Unconscious Mind in Visual Perception: What Ambiguous Images Reveal About Ourselves

Imagine an image of a large black raven perched on top of a carefully balanced stack of stones. The raven gazes off to the side, its beak slightly open, while in front of it a green plant with a blooming pink flower stands in contrast. Behind them, the […]

Kintsugi: Embracing Imperfections and Healing Through Therapy

In a world that often demands perfection, it’s refreshing to encounter the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, a practice that celebrates flaws rather than concealing them. Kintsugi, meaning “golden joinery,” is the art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Instead of […]

The Psychology Behind Investing: Why Letting Go of Familiar Investments Can Be So Hard

Investing isn’t just a numbers game; it’s deeply tied to our psychology. Whether you’re contemplating investing in something new or struggling to let go of an investment you’ve held for years, understanding the underlying psychological factors can offer valuable insights. As therapists who specialise in both Cognitive Behavioural […]

Understanding Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Counselling: A Historical and Modern Perspective

Introduction The landscape of mental health treatment has evolved over centuries, giving rise to various therapeutic modalities. Among the most prominent are psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and counselling. Each of these approaches, while sharing some similarities, offers unique ways of understanding and addressing mental health. In this post, we’ll […]

Overcoming the Past: How Psychodynamic Therapy and Journaling Can Help S Break Free from Unfulfilled Desires and Emotional Patterns

1. Introduction to the Case S, a 40-year-old graphic designer living in London, has faced numerous emotional and psychological challenges stemming from her early life experiences. Originally from Brazil, S lost her father at the age of 7 and was subsequently raised by her single mother along with […]

The British Psychoanalytic Tradition: A Historical Overview

The British psychoanalytic tradition, deeply influenced by figures such as Melanie Klein and Donald Winnicott, places a strong emphasis on object relations theory. This approach explores how early interactions with caregivers shape an individual's emotional and psychological development. Klein introduced concepts like the paranoid-schizoid and depressive positions, which focus on the internalisation of relationships, while...

Exploring the Divergent Paths of Psychoanalysis: British vs. French Traditions

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...