Matthew Harward

Registered Psychotherapist

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.

WHO IS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR?

Women, men, and couples. People come for all sorts of reasons. Some examples are: loss and bereavement unable to think or work a sense of purposelessness abuse and trauma depression feeling desperate blocked creativity anxiety stress being troubled by their thoughts and feelings broken or difficult relationships

WHAT IS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Psychotherapy can 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.

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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 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 am currently undertaking further professional training in Jungian approaches to psychotherapy.

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

Qualifications

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

Get in touch

Business Contacts

Office Address:
157 Thorndon Quay, Wellington 6011,
Wellington, New Zealand

Contact Number:
021 0292 9002

Reach out to me Directly



Client Type

Adults, Couples, Groups


Session Type

In Person, Online

Language

English


Issues

Abuse, Anxiety, Depression,
Grief/Loss,
Relationships,
Stress/Burnout

Fees

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

Link to my talking works page
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