Psychodynamic psychotherapy
The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of how our past experiences, from birth onwards, shape our present behaviour and thoughts. Many of us develop coping mechanisms to deal with past relationships or traumas that no longer serve us in the present. Unravelling these stories can be difficult and time-consuming, as we often build defenses to protect ourselves. The theory is that when we repress or deny things, they remain in our unconscious and we don’t actually recognise that they are a problem for us.
“Therapists listen to you on many levels, including your subconscious,” says London-based psychodynamic psychotherapist Shelley Williams, who points out that even if a problem seems rooted in the present, “the roots and depth of our distress may be unconsciously connected to past losses, relationships and experiences.”
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Best For?
Long-term depression, trauma, anxiety disorders and relationship problems are common complaints of psychodynamic therapists. Clients may complain that they are repeating old patterns or feeling stuck. People who want to understand themselves better also often choose this form of therapy.
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy not suitable for?
This is not a quick fix, and most psychotherapists with this training expect to see clients for at least six months.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively recently developed treatment for psychological trauma. EMDR therapists are specially trained, and the EMDR process is not limited to talk therapy, but uses “bilateral stimulation techniques” such as left-to-right eye movements, sounds, or taps on the body to reduce the intensity of distressing memories so that they can be accepted and processed as normal memories.
What is EMDR best for?
Nice recommends EMDR for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from events such as car accidents or assaults, but therapist Joanna Head explains that EMDR can also be used for depression and relationship problems: “It works for any trauma – it’s not necessarily life-threatening, but it could relate to an event or series of events that are overwhelming or that trigger a fight-or-flight response.”
Jessica Parshall suffered from PTSD from the trauma of her birth: “The therapy felt strange to me, but I left the sessions feeling empowered. Painful memories and thoughts began to lighten. I felt at peace again. After 12 sessions, I was released from my therapist. I cried in my last session with her because I was so grateful for her help in lifting such a heavy burden from my shoulders.”
If you would like to see an EMDR therapist, Google search for members of EMDR UK and Ireland.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy combines talk therapy with hypnosis. Hypnosis can be described as a state of heightened awareness and deep relaxation induced by suggestion. It is different from sleep in that you remain conscious and have control over your words and actions. A qualified hypnotherapist can help clients with patterns of behaviour, attitudes and emotions. Some hypnotherapists use regression techniques to explore childhood experiences.
What is Hypnotherapy Best For?
Hypnotherapy is often chosen by patients who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and stress. It’s also often used to treat self-destructive habits and phobias, such as fear of driving or public speaking. Nice says hypnotherapy can help with physical problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. Look for members of the General Hypnotherapy Registry and the National Hypnotherapy Association.
Sex Therapy or Psychosexual Therapy
This is therapy for individuals or couples, men and women of any sexual orientation. It is a talking therapy that does not involve physical contact. For some difficulties, you may be encouraged to try touching in your own time. Training is in addition to regular therapy or couples training, and psychosexual therapists are usually members of the National Association of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
What is Psychosexual Therapy Best For?
There are many reasons why individuals or couples may see a psychosexual therapist: differences in desire, issues with sexuality, orgasm problems, erectile dysfunction, the impact of mental health issues such as depression or PTSD, painful intercourse, infidelity, infertility, etc. These therapists have an open-minded and unbiased perspective on all sexual issues, including non-monogamy, and genuinely consider the impact our sex lives and relationships have on our overall health.
How much does the treatment cost?
The cost of therapy varies widely depending on all factors, including location, time of day, and professional training. Outside London and the South East, therapists might charge £40 for a 50-minute session. In central London you can expect to pay at least £70, with evening sessions costing more. Online sessions are usually cheaper than face-to-face sessions. Couples counselling always charges a premium.
There are discounts available for students, the unemployed and therapy students in training, and you can also find low-cost therapy sessions for a limited time through charities such as Mind.
How do you find a good therapist you can trust?
Therapists and counsellors are not subject to government regulation, so any practitioner you are considering should be a member of a major therapy organisation such as the BACP, the British Council for Psychotherapy or the National Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
When using an independent platform like Welldoing, you can be assured that all members are certified annually as professional members and come from a variety of therapy styles. Use the filters to make sure the therapist you contact is familiar with the issues you want to address. Many therapists offer a free 15-20 minute “compatibility check” before booking. Other similar platforms include Counselling Directory and Psychology Today.
What can I get through the NHS?
NHS talk therapy is a range of services available to adults and young people with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. People under 18 receive treatment through CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Referrals to both services can be made through your GP. Both services often have waiting lists, but this will vary depending on where in the country you look.
Treatment follows a ‘stepped care’ model, so you may initially receive support from a therapist whilst also receiving support via self-help workbooks and websites. Online and group therapy may be offered if there is clear need. All support is delivered using evidence-based, NICE recommended psychological therapies (usually CBT) and usually involves limited sessions.
