Thinking About Psychodynamic Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Start

archibald psychotherapy
Sep 9
3 min read

Why Consider Psychodynamic Therapy in the UK?

Seated man in casual attire appears blurred in the background, while another writes notes on a clipboard in the foreground, in a calm setting. It is a psychodynamic psychotherapy setting. — Why now? Why not now?

If you’ve been searching for a therapy that goes deeper than quick-fix solutions, psychodynamic therapy in the UK might be exactly what you need. Unlike short-term “tips and tricks,” this approach looks at the roots of your feelings and patterns. It’s about understanding—not just managing—what’s going on inside.

Many people come to psychodynamic psychotherapy when life feels stuck: the same arguments, the same relationship struggles, or a sense of sadness or anxiety that won’t go away. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

What Is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps you explore the emotional patterns shaping your life. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, it asks: Why do I feel this way? Where did this begin? And most importantly, what might change if I understand myself better?

This type of therapy is especially helpful for:

Long-standing anxiety or low mood
Relationship difficulties
Unresolved grief and loss
Cultural identity questions
Childhood trauma or difficult early experiences

Online Therapy: Does It Really Work?

If you’ve wondered whether online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, the short answer is yes. Many people prefer it because it fits into their life without the stress of travel or time off work. You can create a private, comfortable space at home and still experience the same depth of connection.

Overhead view of a person on a video call on a laptop, holding a mug. Notebooks and pens on a wood table, creating a focused therapy mood. — Online can work for you

In fact, online psychodynamic therapy offers:

Flexibility – No commute, no travel time
Confidentiality – A safe space in your own home
Accessibility – Works for clients across the UK

Who I Work With

A large part of my work is supporting people through grief psychotherapy—including those coping with miscarriage, stillbirth, and child loss. These experiences are often isolating, and many people feel they should “move on” quickly. In therapy, we slow down and allow the truth of your experience to be seen, understood, and processed at your pace.

I also work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, identity questions, and patterns that feel hard to break. If you’ve been thinking, “I should be able to cope,” but deep down you’re exhausted from coping alone, this is for you.

About Me

I’m Alan Archibald, a psychodynamic psychotherapist trained at the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I’ve worked in mental health since the 1990s, first in the NHS and now in private practice. I offer online psychodynamic therapy for clients across the UK.

My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and depth. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about helping you understand why you feel the way you do, and what might help things shift.

What Happens in the First Session?

The first session is a conversation. You share what’s been going on and what you hope for (even if you’re unsure). I explain how I work, and we see if it feels like a good fit. After this, most people have a sense of whether they’d like to continue.

How Long Does Psychodynamic Therapy Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Unlike quick-fix approaches, psychodynamic therapy takes time—but it offers real, lasting change. Over weeks and months, you might notice:

Feeling less controlled by old patterns
A softer, kinder inner voice
Greater emotional resilience
A sense of choice where before there was only reaction

Fees & Practical Details

Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £85. I offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can get a feel for whether this is right for you. Book your session here.

How to Begin

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but it could be the start of real change. If you’ve been searching for:

Psychodynamic therapy UK
Online therapy that feels personal and confidential
Grief psychotherapy for loss or bereavement

… then let’s talk. Book your free consultation today and take the first step.

Final Word

Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about understanding what’s happened to you—and giving yourself the space to heal. If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, I’d be honoured to help.