Dr. Paul C. Mollitt

Therapists come from many different theoretical schools, which can be quite confusing when you are just looking for someone to talk to. It's worth looking up "therapy approaches" online to see which speaks to you. My core training was psychodynamic, which provides a foundation to my way of working, but I would now consider myself more of an integrative therapist, drawing on a variety of therapeutic approaches, depending on your needs. I've a particular interest in existential therapy, attachment psychotherapy, group analysis and Jungian psychology which can all loosely be described as "depth" psychotherapies. This means that as well as looking on the surface and in the present, we might be curious about how your current difficulties relate to the past, or parts of you that might be operating out of your awareness.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to increase awareness of your inner unconscious world and its influence over your relationships, moods, and behaviours in the present. Existential therapy places emphasis on the human condition, our fear of death and dying and our search for meaning. It is a positive approach that applauds human capacities and aspirations while simultaneously acknowledging human limitations. An attachment approach describes four attachment styles: Secure, Anxious/preoccupied, Dismissive/avoidant, and Fearful-avoidant which can be very useful lenses through which to work on issues of intimacy, sex, commitment and conflict. My group trainings also place importance on the familial, cultural, social and political world in which we live and how we make sense of the human desire to both belong or fit in and to be an individual and unique. Jungian psychology places emphasises on those shadowy aspects of us that might be unknown to us, but that contains a vital and creative part necessary for our lifelong process of becoming who we truly are. Bringing your dreams to therapy can sometimes be a useful way of exploring that part of you. Generally speaking, dynamic therapies aim for a more balanced understanding of the self through an assimilation of our conscious and unconscious parts.

My view is that therapy can help most people - from work stress, anxiety, depression or relationship issues, those with diagnosed mental health conditions, to those who might be experiencing a loss of meaning in their lives or who are seeking a greater sense of fulfilment or creative potential. Research points to the relationship between the client and therapist being the main vehicle for change in successful therapy. I can offer a safe, collaborative and confidential space, free from judgement but challenging where necessary, to help you to understand yourself better and feel more comfortable in your skin.