FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy:

How are Counselling and Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy Different?

There can be some overlap but (very broadly), the therapeutic modalities listed above differ in terms of the depth they go to, the attention paid to the relationship between therapist and patient, time spent looking at issues and, perhaps most significantly, their attitude towards the conscious and unconscious parts of the psyche.

Counselling can be effective in addressing specific problematic situations, such as a bereavement or a disruptive life transition (perhaps a divorce or a change of job). Counselling is supportive and may include advice, problem-solving strategies, or new ways of looking at a problem. Overall, counselling tends to be “solution oriented” and short term.

Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy, based on the work of Carl Jung, is open-ended in nature and wide-ranging in focus. It seeks to achieve deep, long lasting change. Jung viewed the unconscious as the wellspring of psychic energy and healing. Analytical psychotherapists will help you to explore unconscious influences in your life, to integrate unrecognised or denied aspects of your personality (sometimes referred to as your ‘shadow’) and, in so doing, foster the discovery of your innate potential.

Analytic Psychotherapists believe that symptoms develop when we are stuck in old patterns, failing to integrate creative potentials within our personality. This “stuck-ness” is often the thing that brings people to seek therapy. The work of analytic psychotherapy is to try and understand the deeper causes underlying those symptoms, which can manifest as difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety or a general feeling of lifelessness and apathy.

How does Jungian Analytic Psychotherapy Work?

Analytic Psychotherapy requires both commitment and regularity. Sessions may be one or more times per week depending on an individual’s situation, and the commitment is open ended. The course of therapy can last for 6 months to several years.

Because of the explorative and open ended nature of analytic psychotherapy, sessions are not formulaic and there is no ‘homework’ like in other modalities. The sessions will be guided by whatever you bring on the day, which could be daily life concerns, memories and feelings from past experiences, dreams, art, films you have seen, or other spontaneous forms of expression and interactions with the therapist.

Do I Need to Remember My Dreams to Work with a Jungian Analytic Psychotherapist?

No. There are many ways to access the unconscious – fantasies, memories, imaginative and creative projects, art, film or a piece of music that has inspired you, the events of your daily life and the relationship between you and the therapist. All of these can all foster a symbolic approach to the psyche.

Do I have to lie on a couch?

No, you can choose to stay seated or to lie down. The decision is entirely up to you.

What is a Consultation?

After you have made contact with me by phone or email, an in-person consultation will be offered. At this point I will provide you with my full address and a scheduled time for our meeting.

The initial consultation will last for 50 minutes. We will discuss what has brought you to seek therapy and your aspirations and expectations. A joint decision can then be made to begin ongoing work at a frequency which we have determined together.

Sometimes it may be necessary for us to have more than one consultation session, in order to decide if the therapeutic relationship feels promising. Both therapist and patient are making a long-term commitment to working together, so it is important that the relationship feels ‘right’.

What are your working hours?

I work Monday to Thursday from 8am until 8pm.

Are Analytic Sessions Confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is necessary to establish the trust and honesty which is essential to the the therapeutic relationship. I adhere to BPC ethical guidelines, in this regard.