Matthew Harward

psychotherapy | supervision

WHAT IS COUPLE PSYCHOTHERAPY?

The psychodynamic approach I use focuses on the relationship that is created by a couple; informed by each individual but separate from them too. In therapy this relationship is the shared object of our collective interest.

Aspects of the relationship are held consciously in mind but are much influenced by established patterns operating out of awareness.  The nature of the relationship holds together and repels, helps and hinders.  It is the work of the couple therapy to uncover these patterns, and potentially shape new ones.   As the couple learn to recognise their own relationship, and adapt it, resilience is built and the sense of the relationship as a resource available to both is enhanced.

This is pursued by meeting weekly for a 50 minute session in which, with few exceptions, both members of the couple are present.

 

 WHO IS COUPLE PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR?

A relationship in conflict is a relationship evolving. Couples seek help for many reasons but can include:

  • facing a crisis
  • experiencing a loss
  • feeling stuck
  • a wish to separate
  • challenges to a wish to move in together, or to marry
  • sexual difficulties
  • an affair
  • challenges to having a child

I see heterosexual and LGBTIQ+ couples.

This approach appeals to people who consider they have a relationship both parties shape for better and worse, or would like to get their relationship to one that is shaped by each.

 

WHAT IS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY?

I provide psychonalytic and Jungian psychotherapy to help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of yourself, your thoughts, feelings and actions and can be helpful for long standing and complex issues. Understanding the patterns that have dominated you, often without your realising it, can bring the possibility of choice and change. In sessions you can talk about whatever is on your mind. Together we will seek to discover what makes you who you are. Our work will help you to explore your thoughts, make connections and suggest meanings that you might not have discovered for yourself. As you continue over time you may begin to see yourself in a new light and start a process of change.

 

WHO IS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR?

Women, men, and couples.

People come for all sorts of reasons. Some examples are:

  • being troubled by their thoughts and feelings
  • broken or difficult relationships
  • loss and bereavement
  • unable to think or work
  • a sense of purposelessness
  • abuse and trauma
  • depression
  • feeling desperate
  • blocked creativity
  • anxiety
  • stress

 

GETTING STARTED

You can contact me by email or by leaving me a message on (021) 0292 9002. I will respond to you as soon as I can to arrange an initial telephone discussion and then, if appropriate, arrange to meet. It is usually useful to meet initially four times to discuss what is concerning you. Subsequently I can then recommend what might be helpful while it is also an opportunity for you to consider if I might be of help to you. As well as face-to-face sessions I am experienced at providing therapy via online video links.

 

ABOUT ME

I am a New Zealander with a B.Sc. (Massey) in psychology, a (Masters level) Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Arbours Association, London, full registration with the Psychotherapists’ Board of Aotearoa New Zealand and I’m a full Member of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (MNZAP).

After completing training as a psychotherapist in London, graduating in 1998, I subsequently worked as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, in the NHS, charitable sector, universities, and in private practice in both London and Cambridge (UK) before returning to Wellington in 2008.

For nine years I was employed part time for a District Health Board working with children and families while providing training and supervising clinicians working with children, adolescents, and their families. In my private practice I offer psychoanalytic and Jungian psychotherapy for couples, and individual adults. This can be utilised as a short term approach focused on a particular issue(s), and in a more expansive way to help with more complex and/or long standing issues.

I also supervise those working in the helping professions including counsellors, nurses and psychotherapists, as individuals and as a group including staff groups.

FAQs

Q Registrations and Memberships

- Registered Psychotherapist
- Member NZ Association of Psychotherapists (MNZAP)

Q Qualifications

- Bachelor of Science (Psychology, Massey University)
- (Masters level) Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Arbours Association, London)

Q Fees

The fee for 50 minute sessions is:
- $180 (including GST) for individuals
- $195 (including GST) for couples.

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