Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Who is it for?

Most people experience anxiety or depression at some stage of life and need to come to terms with pain or disappointment. Often this can be resolved by the individual without outside help. Sometimes, however the difficulties persist causing unhappiness at home and at work. This may be because current difficulties are stirring up feelings from the past of which the person is not consciously aware. Psychotherapy can enable individuals to understand hidden aspects of themselves.

Psychotherapy can help those who:

• feel anxious and unable to cope with the burdens of life
• experience an underlying sense of sadness or dissatisfaction
• lack confidence or feel they are not adequately fulfilling their potential
• experience difficulty making or sustaining relationships or who are repeatedly drawn into unhappy partnerships
• find it hard to come to terms with a life change such as bereavement, divorce or job loss
• express emotional problems through physical symptoms

How does psychotherapy work?

In a reliable setting the person coming for help is encouraged to use the time for reflection. Whatever is foremost on the individual's mind is brought to the session. This can be feelings, thoughts, memories, dreams. The therapist listens and tries to help the person make sense of feelings and behaviour.

As the relationship with the therapist develops the individual discovers new insights, and more appropriate ways of coping with problems and feelings can be found.

Sessions are regular and frequent so as to give as much continuity and support as possible.

Lincoln Psychotherapists

Most Lincoln psychotherapists have had extensive experience as mental health professionals in general medicine, clinical psychology, social work or counselling before undertaking the Lincoln's rigorous training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy lasting a minimum of 4 years. Many members have further post-qualifying training.

The Lincoln is committed to equal opportunities. All Lincoln members are bound by the Centre's Ethical Code which ensures that patient confidentiality is preserved and individual autonomy respected.

Qualified Lincoln psychotherapists are practising throughout the London area (North, South, East, West and Central London) and in many other parts of the UK, including Avon (Bath and Bristol), Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Edinburgh, Essex (Colchester and Epping), Hertfordshire, Kent, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire (Swindon) and Yorkshire (Bradford and Leeds). They see people in intensive psychotherapy as well as people who are able to attend only once or twice a week. Some Lincoln therapists are also skilled at working with couples.

How to apply

If you are considering psychoanalytic psychotherapy, contact the Clinical Services referral therapist, Nicola Cloutman (by phone on 020 7924 0296 or by email at clinic@lincoln-psychotherapy.org.uk) and arrange an initial consultation with an experienced psychotherapist, who will give careful consideration to your concerns. The psychotherapist who is assessing your situation undertakes to refer you to a Lincoln therapist with a vacancy if this is agreed upon. Alternatively the consultation can be helpful in clarifying difficulties and reviewing options before making a commitment to psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

The consultation usually lasts between 1-1.5 hours and the current fee is £70. You can either refer yourself or give consent to a professional person who knows the problem (e.g. your doctor) to make the referral for you. Fees for psychotherapy treatment vary (on average £35-£50 per session).

What if I can't afford it?

If you are considering psychotherapy but realistically cannot afford a full fee you may apply to the Reduced Fee Scheme which has a limited number of places for three times weekly psychotherapy for people who must be prepared to commit themselves on a long term basis. Treatment under this scheme is usually with a psychotherapist in training.

Fees for psychotherapy treatment under the Reduced Fee Scheme are negotiated with the therapist. The fee for the initial assessment is £45. Applications or enquiries can be made by contacting the Reduced Fee Scheme referral therapist, Nicola Griffiths (by phone on 020 8691 0980 or by email at clinic@lincoln-psychotherapy.org.uk).