People find their way to psychotherapy for many reasons. There may be a catalyst in the form of a traumatic event, though often people have simply come to feel stuck.
Some suffer with stress, depression, anxiety, compulsive/addictive behaviour, or panic attacks. Others struggle with issues related to sexuality, gender, relationships, family or work. A fair few are simply curious to engage in an open, non-judgmental conversation to better understand themselves.
Whatever your own reason, psychotherapy can help you to engage with it in interesting and unexpected ways.
Present difficulties can have their roots in our past. We are very creative at finding solutions, or self-cures, for what we have been through. But often, what troubles us now is a self-cure that no longer works. It’s not just that our difficulties may be repeated, they can begin to feel inevitable.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy helps us to have an experience of ourselves which we cannot have alone. It is a unique conversation that invites us to speak about whatever we wish and follow the chain of our associations, wherever they may lead. It encourages us to engage with our difficulties and enjoyments in ways that can be surprising and liberating. It follows its own path at its own pace. It is a meaningful endeavour, but it is not without humour.
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Panic
Bereavement
Addiction/compulsion
Trauma
Abuse
Self-esteem
Anger
Sexuality
Family
Work
Race
The terms above are broad and the list is not exhaustive.
Every person's difficulty is unique. Their experience is singular, even in response to shared events or circumstances
My practice is informed by my training at the Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (accredited by the UKCP), which draws on both classical and contemporary psychoanalytic and philosophical thinking. In short, we are subject to unconscious forces, but we are in and of the world.
Additionally, through the Psychosis Therapy Project I work with those whose experience may include hallucinations, or confused/disturbing thoughts. Every voice has a right to be heard. Interesting things happen when people begin to speak.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/peter-harkness-london-eng/1316028
My practice is located in Notting Hill, within walking distance of Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Bayswater, Royal Oak and Ladbroke Grove underground stations. Paddington is a slightly longer walk. It is also served by bus routes 7, 28, 31, 70, and 328.
Online sessions are also available.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and are held at least once a week, often more.
The desire to undertake therapy is not always matched by the means to do so. I have a limited number of reduced-cost sessions for people of limited means.
Low-cost therapy is also available at the Site Clinic for Contemporary Psychoanalysis.
Please contact me to arrange an initial consultation. We can consider what brings you to psychotherapy and how we might work together.
You can also call me on +44 7939139528 if you would prefer to leave a message. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
© Peter Harkness
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