Psychodynamic Counselling in Torquay
My approach is grounded in person-centred therapy and incorporates elements of CBT, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
I work with clients facing depression, anxiety and transitional issues arising from life changes – divorce, redundancy, ageing, menopause, relocation, parenthood, death and grief – as well as understanding the impact of past trauma. I work with clients to build self-awareness and improved self-esteem, undertaking an active problem-solving approach. As an ex-lawyer & corporate headhunter, I understand the challenges of burnout and high-stress, corporate environments. I offer career coaching for those seeking to build their careers alongside exploring productivity, empowerment, and confidence in the workplace.
My approach is grounded in person-centred therapy and incorporates elements of CBT, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
I work with clients facing depression, anxiety and transitional issues arising from life changes – divorce, redundancy, ageing, menopause, relocation, parenthood, death and grief – as well as understanding the impact of past trauma. I work with clients to build self-awareness and improved self-esteem, undertaking an active problem-solving approach. As an ex-lawyer & corporate headhunter, I understand the challenges of burnout and high-stress, corporate environments. I offer career coaching for those seeking to build their careers alongside exploring productivity, empowerment, and confidence in the workplace.
My approach is grounded in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy, while also drawing on MBT, attachment and trauma-informed thinking.
I'm Dr Nick Spinks, a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist based in South Devon. I bring warmth, curiosity and many years of clinical experience to my work, and I see therapy as something we do together. I work with adults facing a wide range of difficulties, including relationships, anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, and questions about identity and sexuality. You may know exactly what you want help with, or simply have a sense that something isn't quite right. Either is a perfectly good place for us to begin.
My approach is grounded in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy, while also drawing on MBT, attachment and trauma-informed thinking.
I'm Dr Nick Spinks, a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist based in South Devon. I bring warmth, curiosity and many years of clinical experience to my work, and I see therapy as something we do together. I work with adults facing a wide range of difficulties, including relationships, anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, and questions about identity and sexuality. You may know exactly what you want help with, or simply have a sense that something isn't quite right. Either is a perfectly good place for us to begin.
I am an experienced Adult Psychotherapist (Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic ) and will often work with clients who have experienced severe and complex trauma or difficult relational issues, particularly where these have arisen in childhood and continue to be problematic in later life.
I believe that our capacity to cope with issues that arise in adult life, whether this is how we experience the world, relate to others, cope with difficult situations or understand and manage what can often be overwhelming emotions, is ultimately bound up with our early experiences. Whether we wish to or not we carry our history with us and sometimes this does not provide the strong foundation needed to engage and embrace life or weather its storms. I work with clients to recognise the origins of their difficulties so that together we might arrive at a place where life is understandable, and they feel both validated and valued.
I am an experienced Adult Psychotherapist (Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic ) and will often work with clients who have experienced severe and complex trauma or difficult relational issues, particularly where these have arisen in childhood and continue to be problematic in later life.
I believe that our capacity to cope with issues that arise in adult life, whether this is how we experience the world, relate to others, cope with difficult situations or understand and manage what can often be overwhelming emotions, is ultimately bound up with our early experiences. Whether we wish to or not we carry our history with us and sometimes this does not provide the strong foundation needed to engage and embrace life or weather its storms. I work with clients to recognise the origins of their difficulties so that together we might arrive at a place where life is understandable, and they feel both validated and valued.
My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree... It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree... It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
As a warm and approachable BACP Accredited Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor based in Paignton, I offer a safe, supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we’ll work to understand any patterns that may be affecting you and find ways to create positive change. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to your well-being, helping to build a trusting relationship that supports your growth and healing.
As a warm and approachable BACP Accredited Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor based in Paignton, I offer a safe, supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we’ll work to understand any patterns that may be affecting you and find ways to create positive change. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to your well-being, helping to build a trusting relationship that supports your growth and healing.
I am a trauma informed therapist and my training includes; CBT, Humanistic and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy.
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
I am a trauma informed therapist and my training includes; CBT, Humanistic and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy.
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
Welcome and thank you for taking this step towards your own healing. As a graduate of the Karuna Institute's Mindfulness Based Core-Process Psychotherapy training. I hold a safe space for all those wanting change, healing and growth. I practice online and from a dedicated space in my home in Dainton, midway between Totnes and Newton Abbot, (Devon U.K.). Weekly session are 60 minutes long on a once weekly basis. Concessions are available for low income clients. Book in for a free introductory session ( up to 45 minutes).
Welcome and thank you for taking this step towards your own healing. As a graduate of the Karuna Institute's Mindfulness Based Core-Process Psychotherapy training. I hold a safe space for all those wanting change, healing and growth. I practice online and from a dedicated space in my home in Dainton, midway between Totnes and Newton Abbot, (Devon U.K.). Weekly session are 60 minutes long on a once weekly basis. Concessions are available for low income clients. Book in for a free introductory session ( up to 45 minutes).
Sometimes we may feel that everything we experience in life is difficult, challenging or simply doesn't make sense anymore. The amount of pressure we need to handle every day combined with all these repressed and unprocessed memories of things we never dealt with can easily lead to many psycho-physical issues. We all possess physical, mental/emotional and sexual healths. When our physical health needs attention, we go to see a doctor. Sadly, we often disregard the latter. We think we can handle it all, where in fact we are getting weaker, less resilient to adversities and prone to negative feelings & reactions.
Sometimes we may feel that everything we experience in life is difficult, challenging or simply doesn't make sense anymore. The amount of pressure we need to handle every day combined with all these repressed and unprocessed memories of things we never dealt with can easily lead to many psycho-physical issues. We all possess physical, mental/emotional and sexual healths. When our physical health needs attention, we go to see a doctor. Sadly, we often disregard the latter. We think we can handle it all, where in fact we are getting weaker, less resilient to adversities and prone to negative feelings & reactions.
I will help you understand the psychology behind your reactions, why you shut down, feel unheard, repeat old patterns, or experience emotions that seem bigger than the moment. Together we explore what’s happening underneath, in both mind and body. My work blends trauma‑informed therapy with practical tools that help you regulate, make sense of your responses, and change how you move through difficult situations, not just how you think about them.
I will help you understand the psychology behind your reactions, why you shut down, feel unheard, repeat old patterns, or experience emotions that seem bigger than the moment. Together we explore what’s happening underneath, in both mind and body. My work blends trauma‑informed therapy with practical tools that help you regulate, make sense of your responses, and change how you move through difficult situations, not just how you think about them.
Going deeper includes Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic therapy which can help you to explore and address the underlying inner patterns that limit your life.
I am dedicated to helping Clients navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. Whether seeking support for specific issues or aiming for deeper self-understanding, I work with clients who struggle with Anxiety and Stress Management - Self-Development and Self Esteem - Confidence - Fears and Phobias -Emotional Issues - Depression - Relationship Problems - P.T.S.D, - Anger Management- Pain Management - Habit Reversal - Specific Counselling for Women - Women and Menopause - Coaching and more.
Going deeper includes Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic therapy which can help you to explore and address the underlying inner patterns that limit your life.
I am dedicated to helping Clients navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. Whether seeking support for specific issues or aiming for deeper self-understanding, I work with clients who struggle with Anxiety and Stress Management - Self-Development and Self Esteem - Confidence - Fears and Phobias -Emotional Issues - Depression - Relationship Problems - P.T.S.D, - Anger Management- Pain Management - Habit Reversal - Specific Counselling for Women - Women and Menopause - Coaching and more.
This Is Me Psychology supports people to recognise, understand and embrace Autism and/or ADHD. We work with both Neurodivergent people and their family members to bridge the gap between Neurodivergent people and those who are Neurotypical by helping them to gain the best possible understanding of each other. We use a neuro-affirming approach in our work to help focus on the strengths and achievements that someone has. We offer both short term post-diagnostic support packages and longer term psychology sessions.
This Is Me Psychology supports people to recognise, understand and embrace Autism and/or ADHD. We work with both Neurodivergent people and their family members to bridge the gap between Neurodivergent people and those who are Neurotypical by helping them to gain the best possible understanding of each other. We use a neuro-affirming approach in our work to help focus on the strengths and achievements that someone has. We offer both short term post-diagnostic support packages and longer term psychology sessions.
The struggles you face today often have roots you can’t see- but therapy can help you understand them. Perhaps, it looks like you’re coping, yet inside you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. You might notice old ways of coping no longer work, emotions that come out of nowhere, or a sense that you just don’t fit in. I offer a warm, supportive, inclusive space where you can slow down, explore your experiences, and make sense of what feels confusing or painful. I work integratively using Transactional Analysis, a talking therapy that can help you see how past experiences shape your present patterns.
The struggles you face today often have roots you can’t see- but therapy can help you understand them. Perhaps, it looks like you’re coping, yet inside you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. You might notice old ways of coping no longer work, emotions that come out of nowhere, or a sense that you just don’t fit in. I offer a warm, supportive, inclusive space where you can slow down, explore your experiences, and make sense of what feels confusing or painful. I work integratively using Transactional Analysis, a talking therapy that can help you see how past experiences shape your present patterns.
I support those who have experienced psychological difficulty such as trauma, anxiety, bereavement, including pregnancy or baby loss. These challenges can bring grief, shame, anger, confusion or overwhelm, often affecting relationships, work or sense of self or loneliness. Therapy offer a space to navigate this. You are not alone. I am neurodiversity-affirming, with experience supporting late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic adults. I offer a warm, grounded therapeutic space where you can feel understood, supported and able to move toward meaningful change.
I support those who have experienced psychological difficulty such as trauma, anxiety, bereavement, including pregnancy or baby loss. These challenges can bring grief, shame, anger, confusion or overwhelm, often affecting relationships, work or sense of self or loneliness. Therapy offer a space to navigate this. You are not alone. I am neurodiversity-affirming, with experience supporting late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic adults. I offer a warm, grounded therapeutic space where you can feel understood, supported and able to move toward meaningful change.
People often come to me because something in life feels confusing, stuck or harder than it seems it should be. This might be anxiety, confidence, relationships, life changes, or a sense of being out of step with what’s expected of them. Some are exploring ADHD, autism or neurodivergence, sometimes for the first time. I offer space to slow things down, make sense of what’s been happening, and work out what feels right for you, so decisions start to feel clearer and more like your own rather than shaped by pressure from other people.
People often come to me because something in life feels confusing, stuck or harder than it seems it should be. This might be anxiety, confidence, relationships, life changes, or a sense of being out of step with what’s expected of them. Some are exploring ADHD, autism or neurodivergence, sometimes for the first time. I offer space to slow things down, make sense of what’s been happening, and work out what feels right for you, so decisions start to feel clearer and more like your own rather than shaped by pressure from other people.
I offer a welcoming space when times are difficult; you may need someone to talk to about relationship issues, support with feeling low or anxious, or maybe you'd like to explore feelings about your past. I provide a neuro-affirming space; whether you have a formal diagnosis or are self-diagnosed. My experience includes supporting teenagers, as well as adults. I also have an interest in supporting parents, including those with premature babies; something I have personal experience of. We can work together to help you feel less stressed or worried, to find more balance in life, to notice your strengths, and discover coping skills.
I offer a welcoming space when times are difficult; you may need someone to talk to about relationship issues, support with feeling low or anxious, or maybe you'd like to explore feelings about your past. I provide a neuro-affirming space; whether you have a formal diagnosis or are self-diagnosed. My experience includes supporting teenagers, as well as adults. I also have an interest in supporting parents, including those with premature babies; something I have personal experience of. We can work together to help you feel less stressed or worried, to find more balance in life, to notice your strengths, and discover coping skills.
I work in an integrative way, using approaches such as trauma informed , psychodynamic, somatic and attachment therapies.
I provide a safe, affirming space for you the client to explore your world . Counselling can be emotional support for day to day struggles with low mood and anxious feelings, or historical work through trauma, childhood and relational experiences. If you are at a crossroad in your life, as your counsellor, I will stand alongside you, with unconditional positive regard and non judgement, to help you to discover your strength from within. Understanding and acceptance of aspects of ourselves including who we once were, and who we are now, can provide the opportunity for growth into the most authentic version of yourself.
I work in an integrative way, using approaches such as trauma informed , psychodynamic, somatic and attachment therapies.
I provide a safe, affirming space for you the client to explore your world . Counselling can be emotional support for day to day struggles with low mood and anxious feelings, or historical work through trauma, childhood and relational experiences. If you are at a crossroad in your life, as your counsellor, I will stand alongside you, with unconditional positive regard and non judgement, to help you to discover your strength from within. Understanding and acceptance of aspects of ourselves including who we once were, and who we are now, can provide the opportunity for growth into the most authentic version of yourself.
Sometimes it can feel like it's impossible to find your place in the world, that things that you feel should feel easy, feel like a giant challenge. It may be that previous trauma, refuses to go away. Or maybe, you just can't muster the energy or motivation to feel excited about things and instead anxiety or emptiness feel more familiar. These experiences can make it feel very difficult to function and things I don't believe any person should have to live with. I help people with a wide range of experiences including depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and loss of sense of self.
Sometimes it can feel like it's impossible to find your place in the world, that things that you feel should feel easy, feel like a giant challenge. It may be that previous trauma, refuses to go away. Or maybe, you just can't muster the energy or motivation to feel excited about things and instead anxiety or emptiness feel more familiar. These experiences can make it feel very difficult to function and things I don't believe any person should have to live with. I help people with a wide range of experiences including depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and loss of sense of self.
Often, it isn't about "moving on," it's about finding a way to live with what has happened without it continuing to overwhelm you.
I believe we all have an innate capacity to grow and find our way forward. Yet grief, loss or painful experiences can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, our relationships and the world around us.
You don't need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling. Together, we can gently explore what you're carrying, make sense of what you're experiencing, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Often, it isn't about "moving on," it's about finding a way to live with what has happened without it continuing to overwhelm you.
I believe we all have an innate capacity to grow and find our way forward. Yet grief, loss or painful experiences can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, our relationships and the world around us.
You don't need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling. Together, we can gently explore what you're carrying, make sense of what you're experiencing, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
I am a UKCP Accredited relational Psychotherapist trained in a psychodynamic, integrative, mindfulness based psychotherapy marrying Western Psychology and Eastern Philosophy (primarily Buddhism.) I trained with the Kaurna Institute, and am currently training in couples and relationship work.
Do you feel your potential in life is thwarted by past or present difficulties or trauma? Has your equilibrium, confidence and self esteem been undermined by this? Do you feel disempowered, anxious, and stuck?
Sometimes, life's difficulties can prevent us from forming healthy relationships with ourselves and others, and prevent us thriving in life, work and within families, friendships, and partnerships. We can feel our creativity and spark for life is blocked.
I am a UKCP Psychotherapist, working to support people suffering with mental and emotional distress find more ease, balance, meaning & health. I also work with couples
I am a UKCP Accredited relational Psychotherapist trained in a psychodynamic, integrative, mindfulness based psychotherapy marrying Western Psychology and Eastern Philosophy (primarily Buddhism.) I trained with the Kaurna Institute, and am currently training in couples and relationship work.
Do you feel your potential in life is thwarted by past or present difficulties or trauma? Has your equilibrium, confidence and self esteem been undermined by this? Do you feel disempowered, anxious, and stuck?
Sometimes, life's difficulties can prevent us from forming healthy relationships with ourselves and others, and prevent us thriving in life, work and within families, friendships, and partnerships. We can feel our creativity and spark for life is blocked.
I am a UKCP Psychotherapist, working to support people suffering with mental and emotional distress find more ease, balance, meaning & health. I also work with couples
I'm a BACP Registered and NCPS Acc Counsellor/ Psychotherapist & Supervisor with over 12 years experience, currently working in private practice. I'm passionate about making better mental health something accessible for all. Resourcing and facilitating people live their lives emotionally healthy. I've experience of and do work with a vast array of mental health issues, but seeing the person holistically rather than as a 'mental health condition' is so important in how I work. Any queries or questions please do contact me
I'm a BACP Registered and NCPS Acc Counsellor/ Psychotherapist & Supervisor with over 12 years experience, currently working in private practice. I'm passionate about making better mental health something accessible for all. Resourcing and facilitating people live their lives emotionally healthy. I've experience of and do work with a vast array of mental health issues, but seeing the person holistically rather than as a 'mental health condition' is so important in how I work. Any queries or questions please do contact me
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Torquay
- Ashburton
- Buckfastleigh
- Crediton
- Exmouth
- Ivybridge
- Kingsbridge
- Newton Abbot
- Paignton
- South Brent
- Teignmouth
- Topsham
- Totnes
Psychodynamic Counsellors
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.