All BPC registrants use a psychoanalytic model of the mind, that means that symptoms and everyday life difficulties are looked at in depth as to what in the sufferer is causing the problem. There are different settings, applications and degrees of intensity which have different categories in our register. However, practitioners may also have expertise in applications other than the one(s) of their original training(s); all BPC therapists are governed by a code of ethics which requires that they practice within their own levels of competence. The best way to find whether a therapist might be able to help is to meet with them and see if you feel you would be able to work together.

Psychoanalysis (originating with Sigmund Freud) is based on the theory that early relationships with parents, and childhood experiences of love, loss, sexuality and death all lay down patterns in the mind which have enduring effects on psychological functioning, and are the source of conflicts which can block development. Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy provide a setting within which these unconscious patterns can be brought into awareness, so that the patient may recognise the unconscious forces shaping his or her life and creating repetitive disturbing or empty relationships.

Analytical Psychology (Jungian Analysis) originated in the work of the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). Offering a comprehensive model of the human psyche, analytical psychology includes a psychotherapeutic approach for improving mental health and facilitating maturation of the personality as well as a theoretical body of knowledge with wide applicability to social and cultural issues.

Definitions of our categories of registrants

(in alphabetical order)

Jungian Analyst (Analytical Psychologist)

Trained to work very intensively (4 or 5 times weekly), generally with the patient lying on the couch. Most of the work is with interpretations and uses the relationship between patient and analyst as the focus.  The theory base is psychoanalytic including Jungian.

Medical Psychodynamic Psychotherapist

Doctors who are also trained to work once or twice weekly, generally with the patient/client seated on a chair. Some of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences.  The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychoanalyst

Trained to work very intensively (4 or 5 times weekly), generally with the patient lying on the couch. Most of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus. The theory base is wholly psychoanalytic.

Psychoanalytic couples psychotherapist

Trained to work intensively with couples. A lot of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and often uses the relationship between couple and the therapist as the focus.  The theory base is wholly psychoanalytic.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapist

Trained to work intensively, generally with the patient lying on the couch. A lot of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and often uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus. The theory base is wholly psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Counsellor

Trained to work once weekly, generally with the client seated on a chair. Most of the work is focussed on everyday life and outside experiences. The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic couples psychotherapist

Trained to work with couples. Some of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between couple and the therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences.  The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Group Therapist

Trained to work in groups, generally once weekly. The theory base is psychoanalytic, including group analytic. Some of the work is with  interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between the group members and therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences.

Psychodynamic Practitioner In Mental Health and/or Forensic Settings

Trained to work therapeutically in institutions where patients are resident, either on an individual or group basis. Most of the work is focussed on everyday life and experiences in the institution. The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist

Trained to work once or twice weekly, generally with the patient/client seated on a chair. Some of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences. The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist in time limited work with adolescents

Trained to work once or twice weekly, in working therapeutically and in a time limited way with adolescents. Some of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences. The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist in work with children and families

Trained to work once or twice weekly, in working therapeutically with children, young people or families. Some of the work is with interpretations (making the unconscious part of the mind conscious) and uses the relationship between patient and therapist as the focus, but there is also a focus on everyday life and outside experiences. The theory base is psychoanalytic.

Psychodynamic Therapist In Organisational Settings

Trained to work therapeutically in organisations, either on an individual or group basis. Most of the work is focussed on everyday life and experiences in the institution. The theory base is psychoanalytic, including group relations.

Psychodynamic Counsellor In Organisational Settings

Trained to work therapeutically in organisations, either on an individual or group basis. Most of the work is focussed on everyday life and experiences in the organisation. Theory base is psychoanalytic, including group relations.