Individual Adult Psychotherapy
Lucianne offers longer term psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis with adults. Psychodynamic psychotherapy places a particular emphasis on exploring and developing insight into one’s internal emotional landscape. It emphasises the importance of a person’s history, of their psychological development over time and of significant events in their life, in shaping the way one comes to perceive and experience themselves and others around them. Developing an awareness of these sometimes-unconscious aspects of one’s life, allows for a deeper understanding of the way in which one has come to relate to themselves as well as to others. This newly found insight and understanding enables a capacity to recognise and shift one’s perceptions and experiences, enabling the development of a more secure sense of self and a capacity to explore and pursue new possibilities in life. This process occurs within the context of the unique relationship between therapist and patient. This relationship is central to the work of therapy, as it provides an opportunity to examine established ways of thinking and relating in the here and now.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis may be helpful for people experiencing:
feelings of depression and anxiety (particularly if long-term)
difficulties arising from early childhood experiences, including emotional or physical abuse and neglect
difficulties with self-esteem and self-worth
a pattern of difficulties in developing or maintaining relationships
issues relating to past trauma or grief and loss
difficulties with adjustment and transition to significant life events
general feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself or the way that one is living their life
physical symptoms with an underlying emotional basis, including psychosomatic responses to life events or experiences
concerns regarding the impact of intergenerational trauma or significant traumatic events
What To Expect
Assessment
The first few sessions are an opportunity for Lucianne to get to know you and together, to begin to explore the nature of your concerns. Towards the end of these initial consultations, some time will be spent discussing whether psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis is an appropriate treatment approach and whether Lucianne is the right person to assist. If continued psychotherapy or psychoanalysis is thought to be appropriate, the practical arrangements such as how often to meet, will be made together. The recommendation regarding the frequency of sessions is determined based on your needs and difficulties.
Going through this process of assessment, also provides you with an idea of the way that Lucianne works, and what it may be like to work together. If Lucianne is not the right person, a recommendation of a professional whose approach may be more aligned with your needs may be provided.
Psychotherapy or Psychoanalysis
Given the in-depth and complex nature of psychodynamic therapy, treatment sessions occur at a regular time and usually between one to two sessions each week. Psychoanalysis is a more intensive process and requires more frequent sessions, usually across four days per week.
The arrangements for therapy or analysis are generally open-ended meaning that it may last for as long as is needed as opposed to a set number of sessions or period of time. Depending on the circumstances, therapy or analysis can last from many months to several years.
Given the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the ending of therapy is handled thoughtfully, and arrangements are made together and planned well in advance.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are best considered as a long-term treatment involving a significant commitment for both the patient and therapist.
Make an Appointment
To enquire about the possibility of engaging in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, please use the link below.