Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Psychology in Sydney
My name is Dr Julian-Pascal Saadi. I am a Psychologist and Psychodynamic Psychotherapist based in Sydney. I run a therapy clinic committed to helping people understand their minds, particularly those parts of the mind that are hidden from awareness.
Rooted in Psychoanalysis, I use an approach which pays close attention to the unconscious structure of the mind: the part of us sitting beneath the surface yet driving 90% of what we think, feel and do. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approach looks at the underlying patterns shaping emotional life, relationships and sense of self. This approach tends to be indicated for those who have tried other approaches (e.g. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, counselling...etc.), but have not managed to make any significant changes.
For more information about the story behind my practice, please click here.
My clinical practice is largely a commitment to you. A commitment to help you understand yourself more fully, to gain an understanding of how you got to where you are and to explore some of the life patterns that are no longer serving you. Some of the reasons people come and see me include:
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Repeating familiar patterns in relationships
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Self-sabotage
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Struggles with 'coming out'
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Feeling disconnected, empty, or 'misaligned'
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Self-doubt and difficulty trusting one's experience
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Questions around identity, belonging, gender, or sexuality
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Problems with intimacy
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Grief that feels ongoing
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Emotional trauma from childhood
For a longer list of the kinds of 'clinical issues' I work with, please see the section called "Areas of Focus"
To book an appointment, click here.
"The mind is like a house: it has a structure, it is decorated in particular ways and it is populated by different figures. My approach aims to reveal, explore and repair outdated internal structures, kind of like a renovation"
Areas of Focus
Clinical concerns
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Abuse
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Addiction
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Adjustment to physical health issues
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Anxiety
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Body-dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
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Burnout
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Chem-sex
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Depression
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Existential crisis
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Gender conflicts
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Grief
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HIV/AIDS
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Identity issues
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Issues to do with inherited wealth
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Low self-esteem and self-worth
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Out of control sexual behaviour
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Panic attacks
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Personality difficulties
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Phobias
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Relationship difficulties
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Sexuality conflicts
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Sex problems
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Trauma
Personal Growth
You may not be struggling with common symptoms of psychological distress, but you may still be committed to exploring your mind and developing it to further your potential.
The Psychodynamic approach aims to do just that. It encourages a deep level of engagement with the unconscious mind, equipping people with the tools to develop a new way of thinking. This kind of work is highly suitable for those who are invested in working on themselves in the service of moving towards their life goals.
The level of psychological engagement encouraged by psychodynamic work tends to result in people feeling more able to disrupt patterns that no longer serve them over time (including those that lead to self-sabotage), and make choices that are more aligned with their ambitions. The process can be emotionally difficult, but rewarding at the same time.
For more information on how thinking psychodynamically is different to everyday thinking, click here.
