Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in London Bridge & London Victoria
A space to explore the light and darkness of being human
What brings people to psychotherapy is as varied and individual as the people who come.
Some have specific concerns, such as anxiety, depression, low mood, or their relationship to alcohol, food, or drugs. Others are navigating significant life events, for example, parenthood, bereavement, illness, caring responsibilities, or divorce.
Some people want to understand themselves better and find a meaningful narrative for their lives and relationships. Others have noticed repetitions or patterns in their relationships with others, and perhaps with themselves.
For some, the reasons for coming are not yet clear, but there is a sense that something warrants exploration or attention.
People may have tried, sometimes for many years, to manage difficult experiences, relationships, and emotions. They may have turned to friends or family for advice and support. These responses can be valuable in times of pressure and stress. Yet often questions, emotions and experiences that matter remain unspoken or only partially considered, and difficulties can persist.
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a distinct way of working. Together, we explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. With time, attention, and curiosity, we may begin to see patterns and make connections. I hold in mind both what is happening now, including in the therapy, and what may have happened in the past, thinking about what appears known and what may lie outside conscious awareness.
The pace at which we work is led by you and facilitates depth, honesty, and openness. The aim is to foster insight and understanding, through which the possibility of living with greater freedom and choice can emerge.
What can you expect from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy takes place at the same time each week. By meeting at a regular time in a consistent setting, we create a steady rhythm and reliable space in which it becomes possible to think together about what is on your mind. This structure - its regularity, privacy, and continuity - provides a framework in which thoughts and feelings can be explored in a relationship of trust and openness.
Sessions are a place where you can speak freely and bring whatever is on your mind. It is your psychotherapy and your session - there is no agenda or expectation.
I work in person at London Bridge and Victoria. We meet for 50 minutes each week. I also offer online psychodynamic psychotherapy. We can discuss how the way we meet for therapy might shape your experience.
Psychotherapy is a commitment of time and attention. Some people come for a focused period of work, while others stay longer. This is something we can think about together and review over time - your individual needs and preferences are central to all aspects of the work.
How to Explore Psychotherapy Further
1. Initial Conversation
If you would like to find out more, an initial 15-minute conversation is a good next step which you can book via my contact form. There is no charge for this, and it offers an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have and for you to get a sense of whether you would like to arrange a consultation.
2. Consultation
If we decide to go ahead, arranging a consultation comes next. This is a first meeting in which we can talk about what brings you and what you are hoping for, and where I can begin to get to know you. The consultation meeting lasts 90 minutes.
3. Beginning Psychotherapy
If, after the consultation, you decide that you would like to begin therapy with me, we will agree a regular day and time each week for your 50 minute session.
Why might I consider psychodynamic psychotherapy?
You may want to take some time with what you’ve read so far. As you reflect, it may be helpful to have a sense of where people who come to see me often find themselves before getting in touch. Psychodynamic psychotherapy and my approach may be worth exploring if you:
Are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about yourself or your life
Want to understand your emotions, relationships, patterns, and sense of self more deeply
Have experienced a significant change or loss, recently or some time ago
Are carrying thoughts and experiences that feel confusing or difficult to think about alone
Are looking for a space to be met with care, seriousness, and thoughtful attention
As you think about therapy and who might be a good fit for you, you probably have lots of questions. Here are some that people often ask me:
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When you feel ready, you can contact me via the form on this website or by email using the address deborah@deborahbowman.co.uk. I usually respond within two working days. You may like to say a little about what prompted you to get in touch, or feel more comfortable simply letting me know that you would like to arrange an initial conversation.
As part of my response, I may suggest an initial 15-minute call by phone or online. If, after we have spoken, you would like to go ahead, we can arrange a first meeting for a consultation.
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I work predominantly in person at locations in London Bridge and Victoria. All my consulting rooms are well connected by public transport. I will tell you more about the location and how to reach me if you decide you would like to meet.
I appreciate that there may be many reasons why someone seeks online psychotherapy. I do offer some online sessions, although this is not the principal way in which I practise. In our initial conversation, we can think together about how meeting online or in person might shape your experience of psychotherapy.
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Consultations are 90 minutes.
If you decide to go ahead with therapy, sessions take place weekly, on the same day and at the same time. Each session lasts 50 minutes.
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This is an understandable question. I practice in an open-ended way, which allows us to think together about what you might need without the pressure of a predetermined end date. The length of therapy is as varied as the people I work with and may change over time.
Sometimes people know that they want to focus on something specific for a particular period, often between 10 and 16 weeks, and I can offer this kind of time-limited therapy. More often, people choose to work for as long as it takes for them to begin to notice changes that feel meaningful in their lives.
Throughout our work, we will keep in mind how long we have been working together and reflect on what you might want or need going forward.
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Yes. Privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to psychotherapy. We can talk about what this means in practice when we meet, including the rare and limited circumstances in which confidentiality might need to be considered and discussed.
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My standard fees are £100 for consultations and £85 for therapy sessions. I am mindful that cost can be a barrier for some people, and I hold a limited number of low-fee places in my practice.
I review my fees annually and will always discuss any proposed changes with you in advance.
I invite you to bring any questions you may have at any stage, beginning with our initial contact and throughout any work we may do together.