Dr. Lesley Aitcheson
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Mayfair, London
Frequently Asked Questions
Psychodynamic therapy is typically longer-term work. Some people work with me for several months, many for several years. The length depends on the complexity of your difficulties and your goals for therapy.
CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours in the present. Psychodynamic therapy explores underlying patterns and past experiences to create deeper, lasting change. It's less structured and more exploratory.
Yes, I work with clients both in person and online via secure video call.
I work with most major health insurance providers including Aviva and AXA PPP. Please check your policy details and contact me to discuss.
Everything discussed in therapy is strictly confidential, within the ethical guidelines of the BACP. I would only break confidentiality in exceptional circumstances where there is serious risk of harm.
I require 48 hours' notice for cancellations. With less notice, the full session fee is payable.
The free 15-minute telephone consultation gives us both a chance to discuss your needs and see if this approach feels right for you.
Many people feel nervous before their first therapy session - this is completely normal.
In the first session, I'll invite you to talk about what's brought you to therapy. There's no need to prepare or structure what you say - just begin wherever feels natural. I may ask some questions to help me understand your situation, but mostly I'll listen.
The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and whether you feel comfortable working together. Therapy relies on trust, and it's important that the relationship feels right for you.
We'll discuss practical arrangements - session times, fees, confidentiality - and you can ask any questions you have about how therapy works.
After the first few sessions, we'll have a clearer sense of what you're hoping to achieve and whether psychodynamic therapy is the right approach for you.