Pavana therapy

PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

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London W1G & Maldon CM9


About me

DONNA MENDEL

MBACP, UKCP, BPC , FPC

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and Foundation for Psychotherapy (FPC).


My training was completed at WPF therapy in London, where I gained valuable skills and experience in helping individuals working through personal struggles. This training has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to provide a safe and supportive environment to my clients to explore and address their challenges.


I have consulting rooms in Essex and Central London and work with clients either in person or online over Teams. Some of the struggles and concerns my clients face include:


  • stress and emotional exhaustion
  • Depression, anger , and anxiety
  • Shame and guilt
  • Identity, meaning and purpose in life
  • Grief, separation, loss and bereavement
  • Trauma, neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse
  • Sexual and gender expression
  • interpersonal relationship issues
  • Attachment


Prior to training as a Psychotherapist, I worked as a front line Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and an Independent domestic abuse advisor (IDVA) both roles helped me to gain a deep understanding of the difficulties and struggles life can present. I have been privileged to be able to work with individuals who have faced many challenges and, through facilitating a safe space for them to gain insight and awareness of what may lay at the root of their issues, they have been able to ease many of their symptoms by making better informed choices and building a resourceful toolkit to assist them through hard times.


What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy and metamorphosis share some interesting parallels and connections, hence why I have chose the name Pavana therapy (type of butterfly).


Here are some ways in which they relate to each other:

Abstract Butterfly Line Art

Metamorphosis in nature involves a period of vulnerability and change, similar to the process of healing and growth in psychotherapy. Through therapy, individuals can address past traumas, challenges, and negative

patterns to grow and heal emotionally.

Healing and Growth

Just like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly through metamorphosis, individuals undergoing psychotherapy can experience a transformative process. Psychotherapy provides a space for personal growth, self-discovery, and change, helping individuals to evolve into their true selves.

Transformation

Both Metamorphosis and psychotherapy involve a journey of self-exploration and introspection. In therapy, individuals have the opportunity to delve deep into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, gaining insight and

awareness about themselves.

Self-Exploration

Just as a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis stronger and more resilient, individuals who have gone through psychotherapy can develop resilience and coping skills to navigate life’s challenges. Therapy can help

individuals build inner strength and adaptability.

Resilience

Overall, the concept of metamorphosis can serve as a metaphor for the transformative and healing journey that individuals undergo in psychotherapy. It highlights the potential for growth, change, and personal evolution that can occur through the therapeutic process. The therapist - client relationship is central to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, the therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, fostering insight and self-awareness.


Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a comprehensive and in-depth approach that seeks to uncover the underlying psychological factors contributing to a person’s emotional struggles and promote personal growth and healing through self-exploration and insight.

Councelling scene, woman explaining to counselor

Fees

I understand that making the first step and making the call to enquire can be scary. I offer a free no obligation introductory call, it lasts for around 15 minutes for us to discuss your needs and for you to ask any questions. If you wish to proceed, I will offer you an initial consultation either online or in person to gain insight into your history, your hopes and expectations for therapy. A initial consultation is the best way to gain an idea of how I work and for you to assess whether I will be the right therapist for you.


The consultation is in-depth and lasts for 90 minutes, I shall ask you for background information on your family history, childhood experiences, relationships and medical or psychological history. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask any pending questions and to tell me why you are seeking therapy and what kind of help you are looking for.


If we mutually feel we are able to proceed, we can agree on a weekly appointment time and date to start.

Fees discussed in initial free telephone call.

Faq


These are just a few common questions that clients may have about psychotherapy. If you have any specific questions or need more information, feel free to ask!

  • WHAT IS PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY?

It is a form of therapy that focuses on exploring the unconscious processes and patterns that influence a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It often explores how past experiences, particularly those from childhood, shape a person’s personality and relationships. Understanding these early experiences can help individuals address unresolved conflicts and patterns.


  • HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Psychotherapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health issues, relationship problems, or difficult life transitions. You may wish to consider psychotherapy if your daily functioning is affected, you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope or if you are struggling with persistent negative emotions.


  • WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSION?

You can expect to have a confidential and safe place to discuss your thoughts, feelings and concerns with a trained therapist. The therapist will listen to you without judgement and help you explore and understand your emotions and behaviours.


  • HOW LONG DOES PSYCHOTHERAPY TYPICALLY LAST?

The duration of psychotherapy can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s specific needs and goals. In general, the length of therapy can range from several months or even years. It is a collaborative decision between client and therapist, based on the client’s goals, progress, and ongoing needs.


  • HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND?

Clients attend psychotherapy on a weekly basis. Weekly sessions provide consistently and allow for ongoing progress and support. The sessions last for 5o minutes.


  • HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?

Finding the right therapist for you is an important step in the process. The best way to see if I am the right therapist for you is to schedule a consultation, that way you can get a feel for the way I work and how you feel working with me.


  • WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A SESSION?

Consistency and commitment are essential requirements for therapy to be effective. If we agree to work together a fixed time and date will be set, any missed sessions will be chargeable. Occasionally, sessions can be rescheduled with discretion.


  • IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?

Therapy sessions are strictly confidential and privacy will be respected and maintained. I am required to attend supervision where sharing of information is required to ensure best and ethical practice. Sharing of information to other third parties is prohibited without client consent, unless there is there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or required by a court of law. All data is permanently destroyed once therapy ends.

Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.

SIGMUND FREUD

Whatever your current struggle, I’m ready to walk alongside you.


Get In Touch

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Silver Street Clinic

21a-21b High Street Maldon Essex CM9 5PE

&

37 Queen Anne Street London W1G 9JB


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Email Address

pavanatherapy@gmail.com

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Phone Number

07857 510327

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Resources

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