Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Archway / Dartmouth Park
Why have Therapy?
There are all sorts of reasons why you (or someone you are concerned about) may decide to have therapy. Sometimes the problem can be very clear, but at other times there can be confusion about what the issue is exactly. Talking to a professional who is trained to listen - not a friend or relative - can be extremely helpful.
Allowing time for trust to build up between therapist and client is important; psychotherapy is rarely a 'quick fix'. Commitment to the process of the unfolding work is valuable; often when therapy feels most uncomfortable is when it's working.
One-to-one counselling or psychotherapy (therapy) is a unique relationship which is bounded by regular meetings (usually weekly) at the same time, place and location. Group therapy will inevitably involve more participants, but will follow the same principles of regularity and confidentiality.
My Approach
The Psychodynamic Model
My approach is psychodynamic; this involves gaining understanding, from both the conscious and the subconscious. Short-term work involves mainly focusing on the 'here and now', where together we identify the main issues that need to be looked at. Long-term work (the ideal) allows for a deeper exploration.
The 'Psychodynamic' approach explained:
Sometimes we can become bound-up in unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour within our lives; patterns that we don't see, but which may unwittingly contribute to our life's hardships and struggles. Psychodynamic psychotherapy enables a greater understanding of our subconscious, which allows us to bring some of these ‘unknown’ elements to the surface, and gain a better insight into ourselves, and how we operate in the world. This understanding, in itself, eventually becomes a tool which allows us to navigate life's highs and lows with less dysfunction.
DIT 16 session model
I am also a British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) accredited Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) specialist. DIT is the approach recommended by NHS Nice guidlines for the short-term (16 sessions) treatment of anxiety and depression.
More information about DIT: https://kmtalkingtherapies.co.uk/how-can-we-help-you/dynamic-interpersonal-therapy/
About Ian Michie
I am a registered psychodynamic psychotherapist with 20 years experience in mental health; a member of the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work extensively on a one-to-one basis; with couples; and in the workplace as a critical incident consultant.
I adhere to the Code of Ethics and Practice of the BPC and the BACP, and maintain my own continuous professional supervision. I have an up to date Advanced DBS certificate.
My Background
I was born in Kenya and came to live in the UK when I was 8 years old. I am public school educated and was raised in Edinburgh. My background is in film and television. In 2003 I decided to re-train as a therapist. I started out working in residential crisis management, and went on to become a private counsellor and psychotherapist. I gained an honorary placement at Camden NHS, and have worked within GP practice, and addictions units. I also have experience as an educational facilitator, delivering workshops and presentations on mental health.
Testimonials
(Names and personal details have been changed to protect confidentiality)
I can offer help with
Addiction & OCD
Anger management
Anxiety & Panic attacks
Mid-life crisis
PTSD & Suicidal feelings
Relationship problems
Bereavement & Loss
Depression & Low self-esteem
Work-related issues
and more
Sessions & Fees
Investing in psychotherapy is a commitment to your long-term mental wellbeing. I offer sessions both in-person at my Archway studio and online via the Psychology Today portal.
Sessions are a standard 50 minutes long. I work weekdays and weekends from 07:00–21:00.
Private Health Insurance
I am a registered practitioner for the following providers:
Terms and Conditions
Once we have mutally agreed upon a day and time, I will hold your weekly slot for you indefinitely. If you choose to skip a week, when I am holding the session for you, you will be charged. This is to encourage a regular committment from you, which is essential for the therapy to be effective.
Flexibility
There is some flexibility around your sessions if 48 hours notice is given. This will be dependent on me finding an alternative slot for you in the same week, which can't always be guaranteed.
Cancellations / Holidays
I will take two (or three) short holidays per year; in August, December (and occasionally April). You will not be charged during these times, and plenty of notice of dates will be given.
Get in Touch
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