A place to talk openly and be taken seriously
Many people come to therapy after trying other forms of help that haven’t reached the depth of what they’re struggling with. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy looks at the experiences and relationships that shape our lives, helping us understand where difficulties come from and how we might begin to live with ourselves and others differently.
I’m David Clancy
I’m a UKCP-registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist and Group Psychotherapist with over 30 years’ experience working in mental health services. Much of that time has been spent working in NHS psychology services, secondary care, forensic settings, and crisis teams.
Alongside my NHS work, I have been in private practice for a number of years, seeing individuals and couples and providing clinical supervision. I have also offered training and provided reflective practice groups for staff teams.
Many of the people I work with have complex histories and difficulties that haven’t responded easily to other forms of therapy. My work focuses on creating a space where these experiences can be explored carefully and taken seriously.
I was a patient long before I became a professional, so I understand first-hand what it means to struggle and what it can feel like to sit in the other chair.
My Approach
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is based on the understanding that many emotional difficulties are connected to earlier experiences and relationships.
Difficulties such as depression, anxiety, personality struggles, eating disorders, addiction, and relationship problems often have deeper emotional roots. Some experiences are obvious, while others are more subtle and only begin to make sense when they are spoken about and explored.
The work develops through a therapeutic relationship where you can speak freely and be listened to carefully. Over time, patterns begin to emerge that help explain how you arrived where you are.
This process allows space to think about experiences that may have been difficult to face before, and to begin to understand them differently.
Who I Work With
I work with adults aged 18 and over, both in person and online. People often come to see me when their difficulties feel longstanding, complicated, or hard to understand.
This may include experiences such as:
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Trauma and difficult childhood experiences
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Depression and low mood
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Anxiety
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Personality difficulties (including BPD / EUPD)
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Eating disorders
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Bipolar disorder / manic depression
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ADHD or autism
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Dissociation
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Bereavement and grief
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Addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling)
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Relationship difficulties
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Suicidal thoughts
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is less concerned with diagnosis and more focused on understanding the emotional experiences that shape our lives.
My Therapy Services
I offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and groups, as well as clinical supervision for therapists. Sessions are available in person in Leeds or online, providing a consistent space to think carefully about experiences, relationships, and emotional difficulties.
Ready to take the next step?
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially if previous experiences have been disappointing. Here is how the process usually begins.
1
Book a free consultation
You can contact me by email or phone to arrange a short introductory call. This gives us a chance to briefly discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping for.
2
Decide together
If it seems that working together could be helpful, we will arrange a regular session time and discuss practical details such as how sessions work and what to expect.
3
Begin therapy
Once sessions begin, the focus is on developing a consistent space where thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be explored over time. Psychoanalytic therapy often develops slowly, but this depth of work can allow important changes to emerge.
Therapy in Leeds and Online
I offer psychotherapy sessions in person in Leeds and online via Zoom.
In-person sessions take place in a quiet, private therapy room where we can talk without interruption. The space is designed to feel calm and comfortable, allowing time to slow down and think more carefully about what may be difficult to understand elsewhere.
For those who prefer not to travel, online sessions offer the same consistent space to talk and reflect from the privacy of your own home.
Whether meeting in person or online, the focus remains the same: providing a reliable setting where experiences can be explored thoughtfully and at your own pace.
