Polly Dennis MSc Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling, MBCAP (Accred)

My training is psychodynamic in style, which broadly speaking means focusing on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person's present life and relationships. The goals of this type of therapy are client self-awareness and an understanding of the influence of the past on present situations and emotions. This can be particularly useful when we feel 'stuck' and find ourselves repeating patterns that are unhelpful or destructive. Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort and can be hard work; my job is not to deliver answers or to give advice but to help you to understand what is wrong, why it's difficult and how to change. I will support you as you go through the sometimes challenging, but ultimately enlightening process of therapy.

I incorporate into my method, according to the individual, elements of compassion-focused therapy and interpersonal techniques. These methods can improve your self esteem and aid better communication with others, allowing for more meaningful relationships. Unlike some of the behavioral therapies available, there will be no worksheets or homework and no attempts to gloss over the cracks or give you quick fix strategies. Instead, we will explore what is troubling you, how it came about and what can be done. Change can begin once a better understanding has been reached. 

I am a compassionate and supportive therapist with a traditional psychodynamic approach underpinning my work. Even very short term work can be carried out with this approach. The feedback I have had is that my style is gentle and empathic but also in-depth and thorough, often leading to profound change. My hope is that you will feel you can share with me whatever it is you need to, even if this is something that you've struggled with alone for years or have considered taboo. I became a therapist because I believe even the most difficult situation or state of mind can be helped by you talking and me hearing. 

To find out more please contact me in confidence by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.