Barry Carpenter
Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Counselling Supervisor
BACP Member
 

What Is Psychodynamic Counselling?

The Psychodynamic Approach has it's roots linked to Sigmund Freud, who was a psychoanalyst and neuro-scientist. Freud pioneered the theory of the mind, this being the Ego, the Id and The Superego as well as how human behaviour is driven by conscious and unconscious desires and experiences which link to the past.

Psychodynamic Counselling adapts many theories from various theorist's that have reshaped, expanded on and in some cases thrown out some of Freud's initial concept's.
 
How Does It Work?
Psychodynamic counselling aims to help you make sense of how the past manifests itself in the present and how your life script patterns- as in why you repeat the same cycles of seeking out unhealthy relationships or why you assume that every situation will end badly which perhaps lead's to self sabotage, all based on learned experiences and thus having a negative view of yourself- and how and why they manifest in the present. Perhaps emotions are triggered at certain times that can feel overwhelming and confusing or perhaps it's that you struggle in relationship dynamic's in your life that cause you anxiety, issues in intimacy or connection. This could be down to attachment issues in that you may feel anxious, avoiding closeness which may link to feelings of unworthiness. 

Everything stems from the past, whether is be distant, not so distant or recent.

Ultimately there is no right or wrong way to conduct therapy. The space provided is yours to use as you wish. You may want to just speak about what we refer to as 'general' stuff, such as frustration with work or with a relationship, or even just a 'bad day' that you may have had.  Either way, the sessions are YOURS to use entirely how you wish to. 

The Aim & The Outcome
The desire for all of us I feel is to achieve inner wholeness, which is to feel whole and secure in self and to be able to achieve inner peace, which can be achieved from making positive change and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself which will enhance you as a person, being able to manage emotions and re-frame your outlook both on you as a person and the life you lead.