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...

Navigating Midlife: A Guide to Men’s Mental Health

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...

Understanding Breaks in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Unconscious Dynamics and Their Impacts

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...

Navigating the Skies Within: A Journey Through Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

A Safe Space for Exploration In our initial consultation, one of the most significant steps was establishing a safe and supportive space where she could begin to explore her feelings without judgment. Working in a high-pressure environment like AIRBUS, where precision and control are paramount, she had developed a tendency to suppress her emotions—something many...