What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy looks at how your past shapes the way you feel and behave now. The idea is simple. The things that happened to you early on, and the relationships you grew up with, leave their mark. Sometimes those old patterns keep playing out today without you really noticing. This kind of therapy helps you see them more clearly so they have less of a hold on you.
A lot of it comes down to the parts of ourselves we are not fully aware of. You might keep ending up in the same kind of argument, or feel a familiar low mood you cannot explain, or react strongly to something small. Psychodynamic therapy gives you the time and space to look underneath that, gently and without judgement, and understand where it comes from.
We offer psychodynamic therapy in person at our practice in Teignmouth, Devon, and online by video or WhatsApp. That means you can work with us whether you live nearby or anywhere else in the world. Wherever you are, the approach is the same. We go at your pace and we never rush you.
What it can help with
People come to psychodynamic therapy for all sorts of reasons. Here are some of the things it tends to help with.
Repeating patterns
If you keep finding yourself in the same situations or feeling the same way again and again, we help you understand why and what to do differently.
Relationships
How you connect with partners, family, friends and colleagues often has roots further back. We look at that together so things can feel easier.
Low mood
When you feel flat or down and cannot quite put your finger on why, this approach helps you get to what is going on underneath.
Anxiety that lingers
Some worry has a deeper cause. Understanding where it comes from can take a lot of the weight out of it.
Old wounds
Difficult early experiences can still affect you years later. We give you a safe place to make sense of them at your own pace.
Feeling stuck
If you know something is holding you back but cannot name it, the insight this work brings can help you move forward.
How the sessions actually work
It starts with a free 15-minute chat
Before anything else, you can have a free 15-minute call with us. No pressure and no commitment. It is just a chance to tell us a bit about what is going on, ask anything you like, and see if working together feels right.
You can book this online or message us on WhatsApp. Some people know straight away, others want to think it over. Both are completely fine.
We listen, and we look at the bigger picture
In sessions we talk through what is on your mind, and over time we start to notice the threads that connect things. We might gently link something happening now to something from the past. Nothing is forced. The understanding builds naturally as you talk and we listen.
In person in Devon or online, wherever you are
You can see us face to face at our practice in Teignmouth, or meet online by video or WhatsApp. Online sessions work just as well, and they mean people across the South West, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, Hampshire, the New Forest and well beyond can work with us from home.
We will help you settle on whatever suits your life best, and you can change your mind later if you need to.
This might be right for you if
Psychodynamic therapy suits people who want to understand themselves more deeply, not just manage the surface. See if any of these sound like you.
You are curious about what is really driving how you feel, not just looking for a quick fix.
You notice patterns in your moods or relationships that you would love to break.
You sense there is more going on underneath, and you want help getting to it.
Things from earlier in your life still affect you, and you are ready to look at them gently.
You would rather take your time and really get to the root of things.
You are looking for someone calm and experienced to think things through with, at your own pace.
Ready to understand yourself a little better?
Start with a free, no-pressure 15-minute call to see if psychodynamic therapy feels right for you. Book online or send us a message on WhatsApp, in person in Devon or online wherever you are.
Common questions
If something is on your mind before getting in touch, here are the things people most often ask us.
What is psychodynamic therapy in plain terms?
It is a gentle, talking-based therapy that looks at how your past and early relationships shape how you feel and behave today. By understanding those roots, the patterns that bother you start to lose their grip. It is more about insight than quick techniques.
How is it different from CBT?
CBT tends to focus on your thoughts and behaviour right now and gives you practical tools to change them. Psychodynamic therapy goes a bit deeper into where those patterns come from. Neither is better, they just suit different people. As an integrative practice we can blend ideas from both around you, and we will talk through what fits you best.
How long does it take?
It varies from person to person. Some people feel a shift after a handful of sessions, others prefer to keep going for longer because the deeper understanding builds over time. There is no set number. We will check in regularly and you stay in control of how long you carry on.
Can we do this online if I am not in Devon?
Yes, absolutely. We see people in person in Teignmouth and online by video or WhatsApp, so you can work with us from anywhere in the UK or the world. Online psychodynamic therapy works just as well, and lots of our clients have never set foot in Devon.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Only when and if you feel ready. We never push you to go anywhere you do not want to go. Your past will come up naturally as it becomes useful, and you always set the pace. Everything you share stays confidential.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you say in your sessions stays private. We are warm, non-judgemental and experienced, and we want you to feel safe being honest. If you have any worries about confidentiality, just ask us on your free call and we will explain how it works.
Still have a question? We are happy to talk it through, with no pressure either way.
Devon-rooted, available wherever you are
We see people in person from our base in Teignmouth, Devon, and online right across the UK and the world. You do not need to live nearby, many of our clients meet us entirely over video or WhatsApp, from wherever feels comfortable. Tap an area to learn more.