Psychodynamic Counselling at our Glasgow centre
We are delighted to offer Psychodynamic Counselling at First Psychology Centre, Glasgow.
What is Psychodynamic Counselling?
Psychodynamic counselling initially evolved from Sigmund Freud’s theories on the unconscious, the importance of formative childhood experiences and relationships, and the use of dreams and metaphors as a meaning of understanding the human psyche.
These have been developed and modified by different strands of psychodynamic theorists over the years, however many of Freud’s original concepts still remain central to this approach.
How does Psychodynamic Counselling work?
The main emphasis in Psychodynamic Counselling is that early experiences are seen as important in shaping the way our mind works. When undertaking psychodynamic counselling, the counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist will help the client to explore his or her problems in a way that makes reference to the past, in terms of the potential ‘unconscious’ conflicts or issues that are relevant to what we are experiencing today. An example conflict from the past may be difficulties resolving feelings toward a parent – such as anger for neglect, but desire for more contact. This conflict may affect present day relationships.
Psychodynamic Counselling tries to help clients understand long-standing conflicts from the past which helps the client become more self-aware and bring what is unconscious into consciousness. It focuses on the fact that many of the personal troubles in life are the result of mental processes that are hidden from us. If successful the client will gain an insight and understanding into the aspects of the self that were previously unknown, and be able to see how these are affecting the present – finding ways of doing things differently as a result.
In Psychodynamic Counselling, the counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist will help a client to make sense of these conflicts – and their link to the present – by offering suggestions or ‘interpretations’ on what is going on.
What is Psychodynamic Counselling like?
Psychodynamic Counselling varies in terms of the style and approach practised by the counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist. Although some counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists work in an open, friendly way, in this type of counselling, they may wish to adopt a more neutral stance by holding back from giving advice, engaging less in conversation and by not offering much information about themselves. This is to prevent them from developing too personal a relationship with the client, which would make it harder to enable unconscious conflicts from the past to be identified and explored.
How to find out more about Psychodynamic Counselling or to book an initial session?
To ask us any questions about Psychodynamic Counselling or to book an initial session with one of our experienced practitioners in Glasgow, please contact us
