Frequently asked questions

About psychodynamic psychotherapy

What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy developed from psychoanalysis. It explores the unconscious, the past and present, relational patterns, meaning, and the dynamics between your internal world and the external world. You can read more on the Psychodynamic Psychotherapy page.

How is it different from other kinds of therapy?

Some therapies focus on techniques for managing symptoms. Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on understanding what lies beneath them. It looks at how your past and your relationships shape the way you feel now.

How might therapy change things for me?

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy takes place within the privacy of the consulting room. The process can be elusive. Patients report meaningful change, finding it hard to say how or why. By engaging in sessions you may notice over time that you feel different within yourself – more connected, more clarity, and improved relationships with others. You may feel more confident, with a greater sense of self, control and value.

How do I know whether therapy is right for me?

Many people reach the point where something must change and they want to understand why. If that feels familiar, an initial consultation is a good next step. It is a chance to talk through what has brought you to this point and to decide whether therapy feels right.

Getting started

How do I arrange an initial consultation?

Please contact Maxine directly by email or mobile. Email: maxineekingtherapy@gmail.com or message on: 07939 000725.

What happens at an initial consultation?

An initial consultation is a time to discuss what has brought you to this point, your concerns and more about you. Fees are discussed in advance of the initial consultation.

Do I need to prepare anything before the first session?

There is no need to plan. In the first session you can start from what is on your mind. Maxine will work with you to explore what is happening for you.

Do I have to continue with therapy after the consultation?

No. If after consultation you wish to begin therapy, you can. There is no obligation to continue if you wish to end sessions.

Sessions and length of therapy

How long is a session?

The initial consultation and therapy sessions each last 50 minutes.

How often will we meet?

Sessions are weekly or twice weekly. Times are agreed following consultation. Sessions are generally at the same time each week.

How long does therapy last?

An initial six-week trial period may be suitable. Otherwise, treatments can last for twenty sessions or are open-ended. There is no obligation to continue if you wish to end sessions.

What kinds of therapy are offered?

Maxine offers individual psychotherapy (time-limited and open-ended) and group therapy for corporate and organisational settings (closed groups). She also offers a bespoke confidential service and a referral service for psychological therapies. See Psychotherapy for adults.

Where sessions take place

Where are sessions held?

Sessions take place on Harley Street (Oxford Circus, Bond Street Underground) and at the North London Therapy Practice (Golders Green Underground). Sessions are also available online.

Can I have therapy online?

Yes. Sessions are available online as well as in person. You can talk through which suits you at your initial consultation.

Fees and insurance

How much does therapy cost?

Fees are discussed in advance of the initial consultation. They depend on whether you use the general or the bespoke service. Fees are negotiable according to affordability. See Psychotherapy for adults for the small print.

What happens if I miss a session?

Fees are applicable to all regular scheduled sessions; regardless of attendance.

Do you work with private health insurance?

Maxine is a Bupa provider. Please check the details of your cover with your insurer.

Confidentiality and qualifications

Is what I say confidential?

All contact and correspondence is confidential. Maxine adheres to professional ethics and standards, safeguarding and continued practice development. The Privacy Policy explains how your information is handled, including the limited circumstances in which it may need to be shared.

What are Maxine’s qualifications?

Maxine E King is a fully qualified and accredited Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and accredited with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). She is further qualified in Relationship Psychotherapy and Clinical Sexology. See About Maxine E King.

Who Maxine works with

Who does Maxine work with?

Maxine offers confidential therapy to adults. She works with individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing general therapy as well as treatment for deep-rooted, complex conditions.

What can therapy help with?

Maxine works with anxiety, depression, emotional difficulties, life transitions, identity, loss and grief, neurodiversity, relationships, trauma, women’s therapy and physical symptoms related to mental health. See Areas of work.

Does Maxine work with children or teenagers?

Maxine offers therapy to adults. If you are looking for support for a child or young person, you are welcome to get in touch to ask about her referral service for psychological therapies.

What is the bespoke service?

Maxine offers a bespoke, discreet service for senior executives, public/high profile figures, and individuals in creative/media roles; who are managing complex lives. Read more on the Bespoke Service page.

If you need urgent help

Is this an emergency service?

No. Maxine works in private practice with scheduled sessions. If you need urgent help, contact your GP or NHS 111. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time. In an emergency call 999.