I have had 12 sessions of Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy since September which I have received on a weekly basis via the NHS (UK health service). Unfortunately, I have had difficulties tolerating the therapy; including anxiety; poor appetite and weight loss after some appointments. The therapist said this was resistance. I have found it very different to the supportive type of therapy e.g. Person centred, CBT which I have received in the past.

Does anyone know what the differences are between Psychoanalytical psychotherapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy? I understand that they are very similar. However, I have read that Psychodynamic Psychotherapy can include supportive interventions as well as uncovering interventions. Therefore, I am wondering whether Psychodynamic psychotherapy might be less intense.

I have some long standing difficulties and would like to have something which goes deeper and is more challenging than what I have had in the past e.g. supportive type but which is less intense and not quite as challenging as the Psychoanalytical psychotherapy I am currently having.

I have discussed the above with my therapist but he does not answer questions directly and it gets turned into the therapy. Unfortunately, If I do not tolerate the Psychoanalytical psychotherapy on the health service I will have to pay to see a therapist as the department do not have any other treatments available in the short term. The department offers Cognitive analytical therapy (CAT) but there is a 2 year waiting list for this.