Psychodynamic Counselling in Chester
If constant freeze, dissociation, or the weight of past trauma makes your body feel unsafe or your life feel disconnected, you're not broken — your nervous system has been protecting you. Healing begins with gentle, body-centred steps toward safety and meaning.
As a somatic trauma specialist and psychologist (PhD), I guide survivors of complex trauma through embodied recovery using somatic practices (nervous system regulation, titration, pendulation), polyvagal-informed tools, and integrative depth approaches. Blending these tools, we thaw frozen states, release survival energy, and foster post-traumatic growth — at your pace.
If constant freeze, dissociation, or the weight of past trauma makes your body feel unsafe or your life feel disconnected, you're not broken — your nervous system has been protecting you. Healing begins with gentle, body-centred steps toward safety and meaning.
As a somatic trauma specialist and psychologist (PhD), I guide survivors of complex trauma through embodied recovery using somatic practices (nervous system regulation, titration, pendulation), polyvagal-informed tools, and integrative depth approaches. Blending these tools, we thaw frozen states, release survival energy, and foster post-traumatic growth — at your pace.
As an integrative counsellor and BACP registered therapist, I tailor sessions using Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT approaches depending on your needs.
I work with adults, older adults, children, and young people from all walks of life who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. Some clients come to counselling wanting support through a specific challenge, while others may simply feel stuck and unsure of why. I aim to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly, helping them better understand themselves and move forward at their own pace.
As an integrative counsellor and BACP registered therapist, I tailor sessions using Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT approaches depending on your needs.
I work with adults, older adults, children, and young people from all walks of life who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. Some clients come to counselling wanting support through a specific challenge, while others may simply feel stuck and unsure of why. I aim to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly, helping them better understand themselves and move forward at their own pace.
The person we are is a reflection of our mind and a result of our experiences.
Hello, I'm Sona, an integrative counsellor at Mindfirst Counselling Ltd, offering in-person sessions in Chester and online sessions across the UK.
People come to therapy carrying stories - of pain, helplessness, or struggle. My hope is to walk alongside you as we explore those stories together, and slowly transform them into ones of purpose, empowerment, and choice. Something does not have to be drastically wrong for you to seek support. Therapy can be for anyone, at any stage of life.
The person we are is a reflection of our mind and a result of our experiences.
Hello, I'm Sona, an integrative counsellor at Mindfirst Counselling Ltd, offering in-person sessions in Chester and online sessions across the UK.
People come to therapy carrying stories - of pain, helplessness, or struggle. My hope is to walk alongside you as we explore those stories together, and slowly transform them into ones of purpose, empowerment, and choice. Something does not have to be drastically wrong for you to seek support. Therapy can be for anyone, at any stage of life.
Many of the people I work with feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. You may be living with the effects of CPTSD or navigating relationship difficulties, grief, or struggling with intense emotions like anxiety or depression. You might notice old patterns repeating, a loss of direction, or a growing sense of disconnection from yourself. More than anything, you may be wanting clarity, relief, and a way back to feeling grounded, safe, and more like yourself. I welcome you to come as you are. I’m an integrative trauma psychotherapist, and I offer a supportive and caring space where you can explore these experiences.
Many of the people I work with feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. You may be living with the effects of CPTSD or navigating relationship difficulties, grief, or struggling with intense emotions like anxiety or depression. You might notice old patterns repeating, a loss of direction, or a growing sense of disconnection from yourself. More than anything, you may be wanting clarity, relief, and a way back to feeling grounded, safe, and more like yourself. I welcome you to come as you are. I’m an integrative trauma psychotherapist, and I offer a supportive and caring space where you can explore these experiences.
We are a team of therapists so no matter what it is that you are facing right now, we can offer a nurturing and compassionate space to explore so you don't have to feel alone. Whether you are looking for support with low mood, help with overcoming a terrible feeling of anxiety, if you struggle with eating, sleeping, socialising, motivation or even just getting out of bed in the morning to face the day... we understand. If life has always been hard or you're going through a really difficult time just now, or if you objectively think "life is great, I don't understand why I'm feeling like this?". We can help.
We are a team of therapists so no matter what it is that you are facing right now, we can offer a nurturing and compassionate space to explore so you don't have to feel alone. Whether you are looking for support with low mood, help with overcoming a terrible feeling of anxiety, if you struggle with eating, sleeping, socialising, motivation or even just getting out of bed in the morning to face the day... we understand. If life has always been hard or you're going through a really difficult time just now, or if you objectively think "life is great, I don't understand why I'm feeling like this?". We can help.
I work integratively, drawing from CBT, psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy, and solution-focused approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you.
I am an accredited integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I have completed over 4,000 supervised clinical hours and have experience working with a wide range of emotional, relational, and psychological difficulties.
Alongside my private practice, I work for the Priory and Bupa as an integrative psychotherapist / counsellor.
I work integratively, drawing from CBT, psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy, and solution-focused approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you.
I am an accredited integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I have completed over 4,000 supervised clinical hours and have experience working with a wide range of emotional, relational, and psychological difficulties.
Alongside my private practice, I work for the Priory and Bupa as an integrative psychotherapist / counsellor.
I work integratively, using psychodynamic therapy, ACT, CFT, and somatic approaches.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to make sense of difficult experiences on your own. You might be struggling with trauma, identity, relationships, or finding confidence in who you are. Perhaps you notice anxiety, low mood, or tension in your body that feels hard to shift. If you are someone wanting to understand yourself more deeply, make sense of your story, and move towards a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and emotionally secure, I may be a good fit for you.
I work integratively, using psychodynamic therapy, ACT, CFT, and somatic approaches.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to make sense of difficult experiences on your own. You might be struggling with trauma, identity, relationships, or finding confidence in who you are. Perhaps you notice anxiety, low mood, or tension in your body that feels hard to shift. If you are someone wanting to understand yourself more deeply, make sense of your story, and move towards a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and emotionally secure, I may be a good fit for you.
I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of what they’re experiencing. This might relate to anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, or major life changes, or a more general sense that something doesn’t feel right. Therapy offers a space to slow things down, explore what’s been difficult, and begin to understand yourself with greater clarity and compassion, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. Alongside my broader work, I have a focus on men’s mental health, providing a confidential and understanding space where men can explore their emotions, past experiences, and pressures faced in life.
I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of what they’re experiencing. This might relate to anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, or major life changes, or a more general sense that something doesn’t feel right. Therapy offers a space to slow things down, explore what’s been difficult, and begin to understand yourself with greater clarity and compassion, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. Alongside my broader work, I have a focus on men’s mental health, providing a confidential and understanding space where men can explore their emotions, past experiences, and pressures faced in life.
Mindful Psychology LTD is an independent private psychology practice. Our services are directed by Dr Amanda Kinsella and her team of counselling and clinical (HCPC) registered psychologists. All our psychologists have undergone rigorous doctorate training and bring together a wealth of experience from years of service and expertise within the NHS and the private sector. Within our individual clinical therapies we offer support to individuals and couples who seek solutions to their psychological and emotional difficulties. We offer a range of evidence based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Relational psychotherapy.
Mindful Psychology LTD is an independent private psychology practice. Our services are directed by Dr Amanda Kinsella and her team of counselling and clinical (HCPC) registered psychologists. All our psychologists have undergone rigorous doctorate training and bring together a wealth of experience from years of service and expertise within the NHS and the private sector. Within our individual clinical therapies we offer support to individuals and couples who seek solutions to their psychological and emotional difficulties. We offer a range of evidence based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Relational psychotherapy.
I’m a BACP-registered psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting adults, children and families through trauma, emotional difficulties and life’s challenges. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to talk openly and at your own pace.
I’m a BACP-registered psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting adults, children and families through trauma, emotional difficulties and life’s challenges. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to talk openly and at your own pace.
This involves using varying amounts of psychodynamic, person-centred and CBT.
Hi there. Integrative therapist with many years experience. Working with ages 14+. Offering variable hours. Working in Chester, Heswall and online. Special interest and further training in Anxiety, OCD and all forms of childhood abuse/trauma. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I will be alongside you on your journey and together will explore what has been going on in your life and look at the bits you are not happy with. I will support you as you pick up new skills or adapt ones that you already had to find a way forward that feels better for you.
This involves using varying amounts of psychodynamic, person-centred and CBT.
Hi there. Integrative therapist with many years experience. Working with ages 14+. Offering variable hours. Working in Chester, Heswall and online. Special interest and further training in Anxiety, OCD and all forms of childhood abuse/trauma. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I will be alongside you on your journey and together will explore what has been going on in your life and look at the bits you are not happy with. I will support you as you pick up new skills or adapt ones that you already had to find a way forward that feels better for you.
I am integrative and deliver different models of therapy including Solution-Focused, CBT, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Mindfulness, and Coaching.
I offer a warm, empathic, confidential space for you to explore safely a current situation, something from your past, or a future concern. I will help and support you through. Accredited Award-Winning Therapist and Coach with 18 years of experience in Mental health, Abuse, Grief, Addiction, & more just ask. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation, with all the tools you need to make positive changes in your life leaving you feeling empowered, and strong. See my reviews from clients who already have by visiting my website www.estelledooley.com.
I am integrative and deliver different models of therapy including Solution-Focused, CBT, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Mindfulness, and Coaching.
I offer a warm, empathic, confidential space for you to explore safely a current situation, something from your past, or a future concern. I will help and support you through. Accredited Award-Winning Therapist and Coach with 18 years of experience in Mental health, Abuse, Grief, Addiction, & more just ask. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation, with all the tools you need to make positive changes in your life leaving you feeling empowered, and strong. See my reviews from clients who already have by visiting my website www.estelledooley.com.
Making sense of life and our relationships can be challenging at times. We might find ourselves contemplating if we are causing ourselves unnecessary unhappiness, or if this is 'just the way things are'? Should I just keep sticking at 'it', or is it time for things to change? Might we be living our lives in 'survival mode' when we could be 'thriving' instead?
Making sense of life and our relationships can be challenging at times. We might find ourselves contemplating if we are causing ourselves unnecessary unhappiness, or if this is 'just the way things are'? Should I just keep sticking at 'it', or is it time for things to change? Might we be living our lives in 'survival mode' when we could be 'thriving' instead?
You're ready to understand why you feel the way you do, why patterns repeat, why you struggle with confidence, boundaries, or burnout. You want to lead more fully in your life, your work, your parenting, but something keeps getting in the way. If you're tired of surviving and ready to feel more grounded, seen, and empowered, I’m here. Together, we’ll explore your past gently, make sense of what’s happening in your body, and support real change from the inside out.
You're ready to understand why you feel the way you do, why patterns repeat, why you struggle with confidence, boundaries, or burnout. You want to lead more fully in your life, your work, your parenting, but something keeps getting in the way. If you're tired of surviving and ready to feel more grounded, seen, and empowered, I’m here. Together, we’ll explore your past gently, make sense of what’s happening in your body, and support real change from the inside out.
Finding a therapist can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. You might be struggling with something deeply personal, yet feel unable to express how you truly feel. Perhaps you worry about being judged, misunderstood, or triggering a reaction from someone in your life. Even if you have people around you, it can still feel lonely when you don't feel safe enough to open up.
Finding a therapist can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. You might be struggling with something deeply personal, yet feel unable to express how you truly feel. Perhaps you worry about being judged, misunderstood, or triggering a reaction from someone in your life. Even if you have people around you, it can still feel lonely when you don't feel safe enough to open up.
My approach is psychodynamic.
As an art psychotherapist, I see clients of all ages and use creativity within therapy. I believe being creative is more powerful than just using words. This is not about art, but creatively expressing our difficulties to bring freedom. I help you to use creative ways to get to the root of a problem, allowing you to go at your own pace.
My approach is psychodynamic.
As an art psychotherapist, I see clients of all ages and use creativity within therapy. I believe being creative is more powerful than just using words. This is not about art, but creatively expressing our difficulties to bring freedom. I help you to use creative ways to get to the root of a problem, allowing you to go at your own pace.
My approach is integrative, drawing from Person Centred theory, Psychodynamic theory, Transactional Analysis, and CBT according to the needs of individual clients.
I am a qualified, experienced and.. very human.. therapeutic counsellor registered with the BACP, BPS and NCS. I work with individuals, couples and families online and face to face through my private practice Counselling Choices. I am also a qualified supervisor for other counsellors.
My approach is integrative, drawing from Person Centred theory, Psychodynamic theory, Transactional Analysis, and CBT according to the needs of individual clients.
I am a qualified, experienced and.. very human.. therapeutic counsellor registered with the BACP, BPS and NCS. I work with individuals, couples and families online and face to face through my private practice Counselling Choices. I am also a qualified supervisor for other counsellors.
I am a member of the Human Givens Institute and hold advanced training in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Oxford.
I work with adults and young people navigating ADHD, OCD, Autism anxiety, stress, burnout or giftedness. This includes those who were diagnosed with ADHD late in life. Many of my clients are people who have been told they have 'so much potential' but have struggled with emotional regulation, executive function, imposter syndrome or a sense of being overwhelmed. I also work with individuals experiencing stress or burnout, including those who hold high responsibility and complex roles at work, and with young people facing academic stress, social difficulties, or life transitions.
I am a member of the Human Givens Institute and hold advanced training in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Oxford.
I work with adults and young people navigating ADHD, OCD, Autism anxiety, stress, burnout or giftedness. This includes those who were diagnosed with ADHD late in life. Many of my clients are people who have been told they have 'so much potential' but have struggled with emotional regulation, executive function, imposter syndrome or a sense of being overwhelmed. I also work with individuals experiencing stress or burnout, including those who hold high responsibility and complex roles at work, and with young people facing academic stress, social difficulties, or life transitions.
I offer two different therapies: psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I am an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist with a rich background in NHS and private practice. Every client I encounter is a unique individual who I deeply care about. My approach includes psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a psychotherapy that helps you process and recover from past experiences affecting your mental health and wellbeing. I am also a Breathwork Practitioner (International Breathwork Foundation training) and offer 1:1 and group sessions in Conscious Connected Breathwork.
I offer two different therapies: psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I am an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist with a rich background in NHS and private practice. Every client I encounter is a unique individual who I deeply care about. My approach includes psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a psychotherapy that helps you process and recover from past experiences affecting your mental health and wellbeing. I am also a Breathwork Practitioner (International Breathwork Foundation training) and offer 1:1 and group sessions in Conscious Connected Breathwork.
I-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for OCD - it aims to dismantle the mechanism that drives OCD. I-CBT helps you understand and change the faulty reasoning process that leads to obsessional doubts (intrusive thoughts, images, feelings, urges...) and is used across all themes of OCD e.g., HOCD, POCD, ROCD, Pure O, and all other types. I have lived experience of OCD as well. I-CBT helps you understand on a deep level how OCD works - it answers the 'how'. I know it can be hard to talk about some thoughts/images/urges/feelings - I get it. You will not be judged by me. No exposure experiments in I-CBT.
I-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for OCD - it aims to dismantle the mechanism that drives OCD. I-CBT helps you understand and change the faulty reasoning process that leads to obsessional doubts (intrusive thoughts, images, feelings, urges...) and is used across all themes of OCD e.g., HOCD, POCD, ROCD, Pure O, and all other types. I have lived experience of OCD as well. I-CBT helps you understand on a deep level how OCD works - it answers the 'how'. I know it can be hard to talk about some thoughts/images/urges/feelings - I get it. You will not be judged by me. No exposure experiments in I-CBT.
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Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.