Counselling in Birmingham. Alison Rolfe Counselling.

I work as a psychodynamic counsellor. This form of counselling can help you to understand how past experiences, current events or concerns for the future may be affecting your life now. In many ways, it is similar to psychotherapy. Psychodynamic counsellors and psychotherapists have slightly different programmes of training, but there is considerable overlap between the two in terms of the underlying principles that inform the work, and in ways of working.

Psychodynamic counselling is a process based on listening, reflection, and considering together possible reasons for present difficulties, some of which may be currently hidden from consciousness. Psychodynamic counselling provides a time and space where you can explore and process your feelings, thoughts memories and wishes in a safe environment. This space may also help you understand the unconscious processes that affect your everyday thoughts and behaviours.

The feelings and responses which arise in the counselling relationship often reflect aspects of relationships past and present. Some patterns may be identifiable and this can lead to insights into why difficulties are being experienced and ways in which there is repetition occurring. Increased insight offers an opportunity for change.

In this way psychodynamic counselling may gradually bring about a greater degree of self-understanding and enable you to find more helpful ways of being and coping with your difficulties.