Originally based on the work of Sigmund Freud and since developed by others, psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a therapeutic process that helps individuals understand and resolve their problems by increasing their awareness of their inner world and its influence over relationships, both past and present.

In particular, it can enable the development of an awareness of how unconscious factors influence behaviour. It differs from most other therapies in aiming for deep-seated personality and emotional development changes.

Not only can it be a treatment that is helpful for those with longstanding mental health problems: anxieties, phobias, depression, obsessive behaviour, personality problems, for example.

It can also benefit those who feel they have lost meaning in their lives or seek greater fulfilment.