Andrew Harry

The psychodynamic approach sees the mind and body as a single, complex emotional system. We exist in the present, but we are also full of memories of the past and hopes for the future. Psychodynamic work is about connecting these and understanding the dynamics of the complex emotional system that is you.

Understanding this changes how you feel, and changing how you feel allows you to break out of the loops you are stuck in. You start to see other people differently and begin to set better boundaries with the people in your life. Better boundaries let you be clear with yourself about what you want and make better choices about how you spend your time and who you spend it with. This, in turn, makes you feel active, capable, competent, and effective, which helps you feel better about yourself in general.

There are pitfalls and speedbumps in the process, and unexpected emotions and memories that emerge as if from nowhere. Life is also happening at the same time and presenting you with daily challenges to your abilities and resilience. But all of these things are an expected part of the process and you can think of them as opportunities to practice new ways of thinking and reacting.

Eventually, you find that your anxiety is greatly reduced and your depression is lifting. The looping thoughts that drive you crazy come less frequently and waste less of your time. The things you were once terrified of become not only manageable, but really aren’t all that frightening anymore.

The process takes time and perserverence, but it works well and its effects last a lifetime.

As mentioned, I’m from a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic/racial family, with parents who immigrated from Jamaica and Scotland. I was born in Toronto, but I’ve lived in numerous places in Canada, as well as Scotland, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. I speak German fluently as a second language, and have dabbled with much less success in Russian, Spanish, Arabic, and Dutch.

Before becoming a therapist I had all kinds of jobs, ranging from building maintenance to finance. I taught business English in Germany for a few years, and before that I was a sound engineer for live music and a sound editor for film and TV.

I have a Bachelor’s in philosophy, a diploma in audio-engineering, and a Master’s in sound design, and I have read widely in philosophy, psychology, and theology.

I am also an amateur musician and novelist, which I do partly as self-care for my therapy practice, but mainly because even therapists get to have fun sometimes-!