Depth psychotherapies work differently from shorter-term approaches. Rather than focusing on symptom relief, they aim at root causes — the early experiences, relational patterns and unconscious dynamics that shape how we live and feel. This kind of work tends to take time, and it asks something of the people who undertake it. But for those with the appetite for it, what becomes possible goes beyond managing difficulties. It is a more fundamental shift in how you relate to yourself and to others.

Working at depth means taking the unconscious seriously — the patterns, the dreams, the moments of repetition that seem to have a life of their own. Sometimes what we are carrying belongs not just to our own history, but to our family’s — patterns and wounds that pass silently across generations.

Working at depth means paying attention to the relationship between us as a source of insight and change. And it means following what emerges, rather than working toward a predetermined outcome. The goal is not to fix a problem but to reveal a truer version of yourself — one with a more solid inner foundation, and greater freedom to live authentically from that foundation.

Please note: this way of working means spaces in my practice only become available from time to time. Availability is displayed on the contact me page.

People most often come and see me because they:

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Depth work requires a certain readiness. The darker corners of the psyche are not always where we naturally want to go. At least not alone.

When we are ready, we often find there i more good in the darkness than we imagined.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “at depth” actually mean?
2. Does it work?
3. How would we start?
4. Is your work embodied and trauma informed?
5. How often would we meet?
6. What are your fees?
7. Do you work online or in person?
8. Is therapy confidential?
9. How long might my therapy be?
10. Do you work with spiritual or religious people?
11. Is therapy with you right for me?

What does “at depth” actually mean?

Working at depth or “depth psychotherapies” are therapies which incorporate the unconscious. This differentiates from cognitive, behavioural and solution oriented approaches which tend to look at surface level of symptoms and behaviour. Depth approaches focus on repairing the underlying structure of the psyche, and from that repair, symptoms are then resolved.

In practical terms, this means therapy is about learning things about ourselves that we do not currently know. These may be unexamined childhood experiences, or maybe dynamics in the here and now that we cannot see. It also means a key focus is on the relationship that forms between you and I. When we analyse this, we can unearth assumptions you have unknowingly made about the world and about relationships. Combined, these approaches make the therapy relationship quite unlike other relationships we experience in life. With over 100 years of research, evolution and development, influences of modern neuroscience and trauma approaches, depth therapies are particularly powerful at bringing about change.

If you are aware of the therapy world, you may know some of the jargon. Depth psychotherapy is sometimes described as dynamic, psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy. I don’t find these words particularly helpful because they may bring with them associations which may not represent the way that I work. I would describe my approach as being influenced by analytic thinking, though also integrating from trauma, somatic and transpersonal perspectives.

Does it work?

There’s a misconception that only a few therapies are evidence based, and that others are remnants from history. Such perceptions are often amplified by those with a particular paradigm bias.

If you’re interested in the evidence for psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapies an excellent paper on efficacy provides context, and this article provides further context and links to evidence. The UKCP website has a summary of research into the efficacy of psychotherapy, more generally.

How would we start?

First of all, check the contact me page to see my current availability. I do not undertake initial meetings unless I have a space in my practice.

The first step would be an initial meeting. Contact me to arrange, and if you feel comfortable let me know a little about your presenting issue and any constraints there might be to your availability.

If we arrange to meet in person, we would then have a meeting or two, to understand the potential piece of work, and whether we both feel right about working together. If not, I’d be happy to recommend other practitioners or services.

Is your work embodied and trauma informed?

The short answer is yes. I work with methods that integrate trauma diagnosis and repair as well as perspectives around dissociative and difficult emotional states (sometimes called parts). The core of working with these is that mind and body are one. Depth perspectives understand the link between trauma, the unconscious and the body and indeed are the original underpinning of all trauma informed therapies.

How often would we meet?

The starting point is that we’d meet weekly and most often on the same day and at the same time. This regularity is important, as it creates a rhythm which increases safety and deepens exploration.