our mission
At ECPT, our mission is driven by the core values of equality and accessibility. Our modern approach to psychodynamic therapy challenges power and elitism within psychotherapy and aims to foster a welcoming environment where individuals are seen as experts of their experience.
We believe that therapy should be accessible to all, regardless of background or means. First to specialise in the blend of existential and psychodynamic psychotherapy in Scotland, we aim to break down barriers to mental health support and create a more inclusive space for healing and personal growth.
what is existential psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an established, in-depth, long-term therapy approach that works with problems in a relational way. It does so by looking at how unconscious patterns of relating to our primary caregivers formed in our childhood influence how we relate to others and ourselves in the present. When combined with an existential orientation to psychodynamic therapy, attention is also given to the anxieties we all face surrounding our existence through the themes of death, isolation, freedom and meaning.
Psychodynamic therapy is supported by research and has been shown to be as effective as other therapies established in efficacy (Steinert et al., 2017) with effects that last significantly longer than the NHS-funded cognitive behavioural therapy (Huber et al., 2012).
Our three branches
Therapy service
At our accessible therapy service, you can engage in long-term psychodynamic therapy with trainee therapists at affordable rates.
launching
September 2024
Click here for more details and to join our waiting list.
therapy training
Qualifying course in existential psychodynamic therapy with an integrated placement component at our therapy service.
launching
Autumn 2025
Sign up below to receive updates as we launch this exciting training opportunity.
research branch
We fund small-scale writing or research by members of the public on mental health or their lived experience.
launching
2026
Sign up below for more details on how you can get involved.