Depth Psychotherapy

Depth psychology explores the deeper layers that lie beneath our conscious awareness, behavior and thoughts. In this way of working, a client can uncover these layers beneath conscious awareness, behavior and thoughts but these unconscious patterns can also be found in literature, the expressive arts, dreams, and in the physical and psychological symptoms suffered by individuals and cultures. Depth psychotherapy originated in the work of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud who were pioneers of psychology, they both called attention to the importance of what lies below the surface of ordinary awareness. In the current cultural climate, there is an over-emphasis on 'evidenced-based' and quick-fix psychotherapy, which is deeply influenced by the health insurance industry. However, psychotherapists practicing in the depth tradition understand that there is no one size fits all and that each client has their own unique individuation journey. Depth psychology is a way of working with the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind and brings in myth and meaning for the client. Myths are important because they are archetypal patterns that connect us to the collective and symbolize our inner experiences in such a way as to allow us to have more objectivity, empathy and visionary love for ourselves and the human condition. Studies have shown that depth therapies have a longer-lasting and more profound impact than cognitive or behavioral psychologies alone.