Hilary Sanders

My original training was in psychodynamic couple counselling with London Marriage Guidance, so I have a thorough grounding (3 years training, 20 years experience) in the dynamics of relationships. I worked post training with LMG in various community settings and in central London. For the past twelve years my work has mostly been in Private Practice and I was affiliated to Relate and its website, until 2014 when that scheme ended. I also work with individuals, either concentrating on relationships or on other specific issues. Psychodynamic work looks at how past events and upbringing influences our current behaviours unconsciously and how, by becoming more consciously aware of these old patterns, we can effect change if we choose to.

By tracking back from present difficulties, it can be possible to locate the origins of defences against uncomfortable feelings, and to choose to alter the defences, so that we have more access to ourselves and our emotions. Things that may have been overwhelming at the time, and therefore were rightly defended against for survival, may not be so difficult when we are older and more robust and able to take care of ourselves. I work to help this process and enable re-integration of parts of our psyches that were split off for safekeeping. I believe we generally function better with all parts of ourselves in balance.

In the first session I look with you at why you have come into the work now, what you want from it and take a background history. If it seems appropriate to do ongoing once weekly therapy, I will offer that and give you time to think about it before committing to it.