Psychotherapy works with both the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind. The unconscious does not need to be mysterious: often it simply refers to thoughts, feelings, and memories that influence us without our full awareness.
For example, you may find yourself strongly disliking someone without knowing why. Later, you might realise they remind you of another person from your past, or reflect an aspect of yourself you struggle to accept. Until you become aware of these patterns, your reactions may feel confusing or out of proportion.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy helps you to recognise, understand, and integrate these hidden influences, so you can relate to yourself and others in more balanced ways.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
- Exploring the unconscious: By paying attention to feelings, associations, and even seemingly trivial thoughts, deeper issues often surface.
- Talking freely: In therapy, you are encouraged to say whatever comes to mind—without censoring or planning ahead. What seems unimportant often leads to key insights.
- Working through difficulties: Therapy can sometimes feel uncomfortable. You may doubt its value, or feel worse before you feel better. This is often a sign that you are working through challenging but important issues.
- Keeping regular appointments: It is common to face obstacles or excuses when difficult material arises. Attending consistently—even when you least feel like it—is one of the most important commitments you can make.
- Ending well: When you begin to feel better, it is best to plan the ending together with your therapist, rather than leaving suddenly. This allows space to consolidate gains and bring a healthy closure.
