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 […]

Facebook vs Instagram: A Psychological Exploration Through Object Relations Theory and Attachment Styles

In the realm of social media, few platforms have shaped how we connect and communicate more profoundly than Facebook and Instagram. Both now owned by Meta (formerly Facebook, Inc.), these platforms offer distinct experiences, attracting different types of users. To understand why someone might favour one platform over […]

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 […]

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...

The Power of a Good Ending: How Couples Therapy Can Facilitate a Healthy Separation

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...

Navigating Cultural Complexities in Couples Therapy: A Case Study

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...

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...

The Importance of Boundaries in Therapy: A Case Study

In the realm of psychotherapy, establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial for both the therapist and the patient. Boundaries help create a safe and structured environment where therapeutic work can flourish. However, when these boundaries are blurred or crossed, it can lead to significant risks and complications. This blog post explores the importance of...

Navigating Payment Issues in Online Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Uncovering Unconscious Dynamics

In online psychodynamic psychotherapy, issues with clients consistently delaying payment or requiring reminders can reveal deep unconscious dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. Such behaviours may reflect underlying conflicts, including unconscious resentment, transference issues, or fears of dependency and abandonment. By exploring these dynamics through a psychoanalytic lens, therapists can better understand the client's resistance and...