Types of psychotherapy - experiences?

[annandale]

I'm gearing up to have some longterm psychotherapy.

I've found an analytical therapist who looks good, but no idea what that is like as a practice?

bump

Not sure that this will help but I had a few years of transactional
analysis (sorry if incorrect spelling) and it helped me a lot.

Things from my past relationships with parents, sibling and friends really. The biggest thing for me was that it helped heal my hurt and helped me move on.

Thanks Guardsman.

I did psychodynamic therapy for 17 months.

Personally it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I was in denial about a lot of my abuse and cried for most of my sessions.

The main thing is the relationship you have with your therapist.

Agree with Orangecake. I did psychodynamic therapy for 2 1/2 years (on the NHS). Hardest thing I've ever done, but also, ultimately, the best thing.

As Orangecake says, it's the relationship with the therapist that is the important thing. In some senses it doesn't really matter what you talk about, its the relationship and the dynamics of it that is important.

I don't know what analytical therapy is like - I get the impression it's more along the lines of lying on a couch / bed and letting things surface in a more impersonal way, rather than having a face to face conversation as in psychodynamic therapy.

I have found integrative counsellors/therapists the best. They draw from multiple schools of thought and have a balanced, personalised, non-indoctrinated view.

The stereotype/theory for psychoanalysis is probing questions, silences and a "blank screen" approach by the therapist. I would find this difficult to work with, so tend to go to, as previously mentioned, with experienced integrative therapists who work using warmer, more person-centered and relationship focused methods.

This way I get a "tailored" approach and the therapist is knowledgeable enough to incorporate any methods needed (e.g. use of objects/art/movement).

(I am a psychodynamic therapist with some person centered training and knowledge of transactional analysis, as well as use of art in therapy)

This is really helpful. I had a few weeks' psychotherapy many years ago with a therapist who had the blank screen approach, it was awful, though had the merit of making the problems I was facing seem not that bad

I had psychodynamic therapy for six months. It was all i could bear as I cried for most of the sessions. I begin more therapy in September, probably dbt not sure though as they decide on the assessment day. Psychiatrist said I will definitely have some they just decide which is most appropriate. I’m scared to be honest!