Introduction and Chapters
This handbook is designed to offer clarity on the psychodynamic process and the professional boundaries that hold our work together. Below, you will find information regarding the practicalities of therapy, alongside a collection of reflections on the nature of the therapeutic relationship for both adults and children.
Explore the Handbook: [Practicalities] · [The Adult Experience] · [Making Sense of Patterns] · [Child & Family] · [Childhood Challenges]
Chapter I: The Clinical Frame & Practicalities
Establishing the foundations of our work.
Fees, Cancellations & Session Times A transparent guide to the logistical and professional structure of the practice.
Inside the First Assessment Session (Adults) What happens in the first session and how to prepare.
Assessment for Children What to expect when you bring your child for their initial appointment.
What to say to your child before the first session How to sensitively prepare your child to start their therapeutic journey.
Confidentiality What is kept private, what is not, and why these boundaries matter for safety.
Chapter II: The Adult Experience
Exploring the inner world and the therapeutic relationship.
Adult Psychodynamic Therapy How the process works, what it explores, and how it fosters change.
Transference & Countertransference Understanding why the relationship between therapist and client is a vital tool for healing.
The Role of Silence in Therapy When nothing is said—and the profound meaning that can be found in the quiet.
“What if I Don’t Know What to Talk About?” Navigating common worries about the unfolding of a session.
Why Therapy Can Feel Hard Understanding emotional discomfort as a meaningful sign of growth and healing.
How Therapy Helps You Feel Internally More Stable Supporting emotional regulation and the development of a stronger sense of self.
Why a Planned Ending Is So Important Making sense of change, separation, and loss through the clinical ending.
Chapter III: Making Sense of Emotional Difficulties
Making sense of the internal world and recurring patterns.
What Causes Anxiety? Explaining the roots of fear and how we inadvertently maintain it.
Underlying Reasons for Depression How low mood can reveal deeper struggles within our internal world.
The Roots of Self-Criticism How harsh inner voices develop and how therapy helps soften them.
Why Do I Become Easily Overwhelmed? Understanding emotional overload and difficulties with internal regulation.
Why Pushing Away Thoughts and Feelings Hurts You Why avoidance often increases distress rather than reducing it.
Why Do We Repeat Unhealthy Patterns? How past experiences shape current relationships and behaviors.
Chapter IV: Therapy for Children & Families
Supporting development through play and relationship.
What Happens in Parent–Infant Psychotherapy (PIP) Supporting the earliest and most vital emotional bonds.
How PIP Helps Your Relationship With Your Baby How specialized therapy strengthens the connection between parent and infant.
What Happens in Play Therapy How children communicate their internal world through the medium of play.
How Play Therapy Improves Emotional Regulation The process of healing and self-discovery through symbolic action.
How Joint Play Therapy Helps Strengthening the parent–child relationship while supporting emotional health.
Why Play Is Your Child’s Language Understanding how toys and play act as a child’s “words.”
Chapter V: Growth & Challenges in Childhood
Understanding behavior and supporting the home environment.
Why Does My Child Struggle With Their Behaviour? Viewing behavior as a form of communication rather than “naughtiness.”
Why Does My Child Not Want to Go to School? Exploring the anxiety and emotional stress behind school refusal.
Why Does My Child Not Like Bedtimes? Understanding fears, attachment needs, and regulation at night.
Your Greatest Gift to Your Child How emotional understanding supports lifelong mental health.
What Can I Do at Home to Help My Child? Emotionally informed ways parents can support their child between sessions.
Beginning a conversation
The relationship between therapist and client is central to the work. To discuss the possibility of working together, you are welcome to reach out to arrange an initial meeting.