Depth Psychology in Psychotherapy

Introduction

Depth Psychology (also called Depth Psychotherapy) is an approach to psychological healing and self-understanding that explores the deeper, often unconscious layers of the psyche. It recognises that our inner lives are complex, symbolic, and shaped by more than just conscious thought.

As an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist, I offer a form of therapy that engages with both the seen and unseen dimensions of experience— thoughts, dreams, images, memories, and feelings — using talking and, if desired, art-making as an aid for self-discovery and transformation.

What Makes Depth Psychology Different?

Unlike short-term or symptom-focused approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), or those that emphasise immediate support like person-centred counselling, Depth Psychology is usually longer-term and holistic in nature.

It focuses less on behavioural change and more on meaning, connection, and self-integration. That said, there is often overlap, and many clients find depth work complements or extends what they’ve explored through other therapies.

Key Influences in My Practice

The schools of thought that influence my approach include:

Jungian and Post-Jungian Psychology – Founded by Carl Jung, this approach emphasises the role of the unconscious, archetypes, dreams, and the process of individuation (becoming one's true self). Post-Jungian thinkers (such as James Hillman) have expanded these ideas into contemporary contexts, exploring myth, culture, creativity, and the shadow.

Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Approaches – Originating with Freud and developed by many others since, Psychoanalytic theory explores how early relationships, unconscious drives, and internal conflicts shape present experience. Psychodynamic therapy adapts these ideas to modern therapeutic practice, emphasising the relationship between client and therapist, and the unfolding of deeper emotional truths.

Transpersonal Psychology – This school integrates spiritual and psychological development, seeing the individual psyche as part of a larger reality.

Psychosynthesis – Developed by Roberto Assagioli, Psychosynthesis combines depth work with a focus on integration, personal purpose, and creative will. It brings together the personal unconscious with a drive toward spiritual wholeness.

Ecopsychology – Ecopsychology sees the human psyche as deeply connected to the natural world. It asks how environmental disconnection contributes to suffering and how reconnection with nature can support healing and a more grounded sense of self.

Why These Ideas Matter

Depth Psychology remains profoundly relevant in the 21st century. In a culture often focused on quick solutions and productivity, it offers a slower, more thoughtful process of personal enquiry. While modern therapies like CBT can be helpful in symptom reduction, Depth Psychology addresses the “why” behind the symptoms, asking what your anxiety, depression, or stress (for example) might be trying to tell you.

It’s particularly suited for those asking deeper questions such as:

Who am I, really?

What is meaningful to me?

How do I navigate this period of transition?

What is the role of creativity or spirituality in my life?

Because Depth Psychology values the symbolic, the imaginal, and the mythic, it speaks to those drawn to dreams, creativity, metaphor, and story. It also supports people experiencing spiritual emergence, identity shifts, or a sense of disconnection from their inner life.

Working With the Soul

A key idea in Depth Psychology is the concept of the soul, not necessarily as a religious idea, but as the unique, meaningful core of your being. Therapy becomes a place to listen to the soul’s voice: in feelings, images, dreams, and moments of intuition. This orientation helps you discover not just how to feel better, but how to live more fully, in authentic relation to your deeper sense of self.

How Depth Psychology Works in Therapy
and What to Expect From The Sessions

As a client, you don’t need to understand the theory or terminology. What matters is your willingness to be curious, and reflect on your experience. Our work might include:

Talking through personal difficulties

Exploring your dreams, day-dreams, or other images or symbols that are present to your mind

Using art materials in the session to express what words can’t quite capture

Considering patterns in your relationships or emotional responses

Appreciating your presence within the wider realm of Nature

Reflecting upon your experience of therapy itself

Depth-oriented therapy is non-directive and exploratory. While we may work with the past, the focus is on how it lives in the present, and when desired attempting to change how it influences your future. Insight, when it arises, is not an endpoint but a gateway — something to live and integrate, rather than simply understand intellectually.

In addition to talking, our work may include working with imagery or engaging with themes common to myth and stories that appear throughout the ages. These evoke symbolic meaning and can reveal aspects of your experience that may not be immediately apparent. Art-making, in particular, can offer a way to encounter aspects of the self that have been hidden or fragmented.

Who is This For?

Depth Psychotherapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals. You may feel drawn to it if:

You want to explore long-standing emotional difficulties or patterns.

You’re going through a life transition or existential crisis.

You’re seeking meaning or direction.

You feel creatively or spiritually blocked.

You’re curious about the unconscious, dreams, or inner life.

You’ve tried other therapies but sense something deeper is asking to be explored.

Taking The Next Steps

Whether you’re curious about Depth Psychology or already resonate with its ideas, I welcome you to get in touch. You can find more details about how I work, including my background in the arts and mental health, throughout this website.

If you're considering therapy we can talk more about whether this approach might be right for you in an initial consultation. I offer sessions in person or online for clients living anywhere in the UK. These two types of session can be blended to create a bespoke option if that works best for you.

To contact me please use the form or email address below. Unless on leave I always respond to enquiries within 48 hours. If you do not see a reply please check your 'spam' folder, and contact me again if necessary.