Laura Mackay Psychotherapy

CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOTHERAPY & PSYCHOANALYSIS IN CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8

What you can Expect

Psychoanalysis is a highly effective psychological treatment that improves the lives of many people.


There are times in all our lives when our emotions feel overwhelming, when our habitual ways of managing are no longer working and we can even become unwell with a mental health problem. Having psychoanalytic therapy can help us to better understand ourselves and to work through our difficulties.

Psychoanalytic treatment consists of meeting on a regular basis for sessions that last an hour. This stable, confidential structure offers the chance to connect with and understand what is happening at a deeper level.

By being so generous with time, attention and thought, a conversation and relationship is able to develop which offers the possibility of thinking differently about oneself and life.


At the heart of psychoanalysis is the recognition that our complex and often unconscious psychic life is a fundamental part of being human. Influenced by the original work of the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (1857-1939), many analysts have gone on to produce their own ideas over the past century. Psychoanalysis as a theory of the human mind continues to develop all the time, responding in a questioning and thoughtful way to the constantly evolving world in which we live. In turn, analysts use this new knowledge and understanding to better help the people they treat.

Sometimes we don’t understand the beliefs and fears that shape our way of looking at and living in the world, as they have become ingrained and automatic. We can find ourselves repeating destructive behaviours, feeling stuck in unhappy relationships and stunting our emotional, creative and professional development.

Psychoanalysis can significantly diminish psychological suffering and improve our health and wellbeing, opening up our capacity for greater fulfilment in life.

I am particularly interested in the way contemporary life impacts and informs the way we understand ourselves and live our lives.


Get in touch


Feel free to contact me by email using this secure contact form if you have any questions about how psychotherapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.


You can also call me on 07896 873561 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.


©2022 Laura Mackay

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