If you are interested in the idea of having psychoanalytic treatment but don’t feel quite sure about it and whether it would be worth making the commitment of time and cost involved, it may be helpful to have a consultation to think about what it would mean for you.

The London Clinic of Psychoanalysis is part of the Institute of Psychoanalysis and runs a Psychoanalytic Consultation Service.  Most consultants work in the London area but consultations in other parts of the UK can sometimes be arranged.

What is a psychoanalytic consultation?

A psychoanalytic consultation aims to allow an individual to get something of an experience of the psychoanalytic approach and method and in that way to find out in a personal way if this is the sort of thing that makes sense and appeals to him or her.  Usually two meetings, sometimes a few more, with an experienced psychoanalyst take place.  The consultant will then make a recommendation to the individual about what might be the best next step.  Some people find a psychoanalytic consultation quite a therapeutic and helpful experience in its own right and decide to leave it at that.  For others, a referral on for psychoanalysis or psychoanalytical psychotherapy might be helpful.  The decision about that may partly rest on what is feasible and realistic in terms of time and financing.

How much does psychoanalysis cost?

Psychoanalysts in private practice charge somewhere between £35 and £80+ a session for psychoanalysis of five or four times weekly frequency, probably a little more for less frequent sessions of psychoanalytical psychotherapy.  The London Clinic of Psychoanalysis is able to make a referral for what has been recommended and to put a person who has had a consultation in touch with a psychoanalyst working in private practice.

The London Clinic of Psychoanalysis also has a limited number of places in full five times weekly psychoanalysis (about 20 places a year for adults and 5 a year for children) at a reduced fee, and a consultant may recommend a person for this.

How can I find out more?

For further information about the London Clinic of Psychoanalysis and its services for adults, adolescents and children, please get in touch: clinic@iopa.org.uk or 0207 563 5002.   If you request a consultation, you will be asked to complete a form about yourself and how you see the difficulties and other matters that are bringing you to be thinking about this approach.  Psychoanalysis is not the right approach for everyone and either at this stage or during consultation, other options may be suggested.  

Further information about psychoanalysis and psychoanalytical psychotherapy can also be found on the website of the British Psychoanalytic Council.   The contact details of practising psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic therapists registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council can be found on this website.