Psychotherapy involves a client talking through anxieties, problems and dilemmas with a trained psychotherapist. The psychotherapist guides the discussion by asking appropriate questions and challenging the client to think about the issues they face in different ways.
Psychotherapy can be traced back to ancient history. It became increasingly prominent in the late nineteenth century and is usually associated with Sigmund Freud and his one-time collaborator and later opponent Carl Jung, although there were other influential figures such as Sandor Ferenczi.
In the mid-20th century, Eric Berne introduced the theories of transactional analysis, which focuses on the way people relate to one another. His student Claude Steiner developed his ideas about ‘scripts’ as patterns of behaviour influenced by our early life. Some of these scripts can prove damaging if we do not find ways to rewrite them.
Recently Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on current issues and identifying and dealing with negative thoughts (pioneered by Aaron Beck) has become increasingly popular. As has Mindfulness, which is derived from Buddhism and emphasises awareness of the moment and of the thoughts and sensations we are experiencing.
I am an integrative therapist, which means I draw upon a range of theories to develop bespoke sessions for each client. If you are interested in discussing a particular thinker or approach as part of your psychotherapy we can do that. Or you can leave the theory up to me.
I offer long-term psychotherapy for people who want to explore their lives in-depth and six to eight week courses for people who have a particular dilemma or issue they want to address.
I start with a half-price introductory session that allows us to get to know each other and agree an outline plan. Following the introductory session, I charge £60 per 50 minute session. After each session I spend time reviewing my notes of our discussion and planning our next session.
Unfortunately, NHS psychotherapy services are very limited and vary from geographical area to area. You may be able to access some forms of psychological therapy via your GP.
David Large Therapy 