By Hannah Woodings, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist at Well Connections
In a world that often encourages quick fixes, some challenges need a different approach. When you’re struggling with low mood, anxiety, or repeating patterns in relationships, it can feel like you’ve tried everything—yet nothing really changes for long.
That’s where psychodynamic therapy can make a difference. It doesn’t just focus on easing symptoms in the moment. Instead, it explores the deeper patterns and experiences—often rooted in our earliest relationships—that may still be shaping how you feel and how you relate to others today.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talking therapy that helps you explore your inner world. Together with your therapist, you begin to notice themes and patterns in your feelings, thoughts, and relationships. Some of these may stretch back years, even if you’re not fully aware of them.
This kind of therapy is less about advice or quick strategies, and more about understanding yourself more deeply. By exploring beneath the surface, you can begin to make sense of why certain feelings or struggles keep reappearing—and gradually create the space for lasting change.
How I Work
I offer a non-judgemental and confidential space where you’ll be listened to and supported. My approach is collaborative and exploratory: you are invited to bring whatever feels significant to you. Sometimes this will mean talking about current situations, other times it may involve reflecting on earlier life experiences.
I work both in an open-ended way—where therapy unfolds at your pace—and in time-limited blocks if you prefer a more structured timeframe. Over the years, I have supported clients with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, work stress, generational trauma, pregnancy and postnatal challenges, injury trauma, and gender identity.
My aim is always to help you gain insight, develop healthier ways of relating, and move towards greater emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
How Can Psychodynamic Therapy Help?
Psychodynamic therapy may be especially supportive if you are:
- Living with anxiety or low mood
- Struggling with relationships or repeating unhealthy patterns
- Coping with low self-worth or self-criticism
- Experiencing grief or loss
- Carrying unresolved trauma or painful childhood experiences
- Facing identity or life direction questions
- Feeling overwhelmed by strong or confusing emotions
The goal isn’t simply to reduce symptoms—it’s to strengthen your self-understanding and resilience, so you feel more grounded and able to navigate life with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I just have to talk about my childhood?
Not at all. While psychodynamic therapy does explore early experiences, we also spend a lot of time on what’s happening in your life right now. Often the two are connected, but sessions flow from what feels most important to you.
What if I don’t know what to say?
That’s a very common worry. There’s no “right” way to be in therapy. Sometimes you may talk easily, other times there may be pauses. Both are valuable. Together we’ll explore whatever comes up.
How long does therapy last?
It depends on your needs. Some people prefer a shorter, time-limited block of sessions to focus on a specific issue. Others find that open-ended therapy gives them the space for deeper, long-term change. We can discuss what feels right for you.
How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) tends to focus on changing thoughts and behaviours in the here and now. Psychodynamic therapy looks more deeply at the roots of difficulties and repeating patterns, which can create change that feels more lasting.
How Well Connections Can Support You
At Well Connections, we take time to carefully listen and match each client with the right therapist. If you’re curious about psychodynamic therapy, you can book a free consultation call with us. This gives you the chance to ask questions, share what’s been going on, and see if working with me feels like the right step.
You don’t have to make the decision alone—we’ll guide you through the process, so you feel confident about starting therapy.