Samuel Irons

My approach

I work with people who are struggling with many kinds of psychological distress, from feelings of isolation, depression and low self-esteem to anxiety, relationship issues and the impact of trauma. The ways in which these difficulties are experienced and expressed are always unique and complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But through supportive listening and the exploration of the roots of these emotional difficulties, psychotherapy can open the door to solutions which had seemed previously inaccessible. 

My therapeutic approach is based on a belief that people come to therapy seeking a profound yet human response – to have their emotional experience heard and understood. 

Some people come to therapy knowing exactly what the problem is, and seek help with specific difficulties or challenges. More often I find that people are unsure of precisely what is wrong, knowing only that there is something making them unhappy. The therapeutic process helps to find words and meaning for experiences that have felt incoherent or overwhelming. Over time, this kind of insight can result in the ability to make more conscious choices, feel more emotionally connected and move forward with greater clarity. 

My background

My background in the arts and literature has given me a particular interest in the stories we tell about ourselves, and the masks we adopt to shield ourselves from emotional pain. I pay close attention to the conflicts that can exist between our public and private selves, and the feelings of isolation and disconnection that build as a result. Often, the ways in we have contorted ourselves to avoid being hurt can become disruptive in our current lives, suffocating our sense of self and damaging our relationships. I see my role as helping you to recognise these defensive strategies, so that you are able to to relate to yourself with greater awareness, resilience and compassion. 

Psychodynamic therapy

The label ‘psychodynamic’ can often sound somewhat stern. But fundamentally what it refers to is the idea that whilst our lived experiences cannot be changed, the way we think about and relate to them can. As a psychodynamic therapist, I listen carefully not only to the difficulties you are facing now, but also to how earlier experiences, relationships, and emotional patterns may still be influencing the way you live today. The focus is not on the past for its own sake, but on how those experiences can shed light on present psychological difficulties. By examining the origins of these recurring influences, psychodynamic therapy can help you to identify which aspects of your life you would like to hold onto, and which you would rather let go.

Professional memberships

• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC), registered member.
• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), registered member.
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), registeredmemberQualifications

Qualifications

• PG(Dip) in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, British Psychotherapy Foundation.
• Foundation course in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, WPF.
• BA in English Literature, Trinity College, Dublin.