Dr. Nikolaus Lehner

Psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy (POP)

 

Psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy (POP) is a scientifically based psychotherapeutic method. In Austria, POP was established in cooperation with the University Clinic for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy of the Medical University of Vienna. It is a contemporary therapeutic approach based on international research.

 

Both psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy and classical psychoanalysis are practiced exclusively by professionals with extensive theoretical training and practical experience.

 

When POP helps

 

Psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy is indicated for a wide range of problems, such as personal crises, relationship crises, fears, depression, identity problems, experiences of loss and grief, addictions, traumas and family problems, as well as topics in relation to sexuality and gender.

 

How POP helps

 

As a psychodynamic procedure, this form of therapy focuses on dealing with unconscious ways of thinking and conflicts. The unconscious influences all of our observable behaviors, feelings and desires: We only ever see the results of the unconscious processes that take place in us. When, for example, we are forming thoughts, the thought processes just happen without us knowing where our particular thoughts came from: the thoughts just appear in the field of our consciousness. The same applies to our feelings and decisions. Over time, certain patterns are formed that guide us through life. Much of the time this happens in a way that we are more or less satisfied with, but sometimes these patterns influence us negatively or constrain our potentials. Using a psychoanalytical approach helps to discover and process unconscious patterns. We discover and work through such unconscious patterns in order to integrate past experiences and to improve psychological well-being as well as the quality of interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. By mindfully exploring these patterns, new perspectives can emerge, paving the way for lasting change.  

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My position ​

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The therapeutic space is about learning to understand your own life, making it tangible and open to change. Psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy is not a miracle cure, but it is an effective approach that can enable profound and lasting changes toward a more fulfilling life.

 

In many cases, the changes brought about by therapy are subtle, gradually integrating into everyday life almost unnoticed. However, the process can also go much further—making psychoanalytically oriented therapy a venture that carries the possibility of profound transformations, even radical breaks.

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For me, the psychoanalytical approach has the potential for a shift that can rearrange the relationship to others, to things, to one's own existence.  

 

Since 2020, I have been running my own practice in Vienna. I meet my patients with openness, empathy, and a deep interest in their individual life journeys. Every person brings their own unique story, and that is exactly where we begin – without pressure, but with the clarity needed for real insight. Together, we work to find paths that lead to greater inner freedom.  

 

I believe that therapy is not only about alleviating symptoms but about developing a deeper understanding of yourself – so that you can live more fully in the long run.

 

I am convinced that it is not simply about improving well-being, nor about adaptation or normalization, nor about healing or redeeming suffering, but about learning to open up to the unknown and giving life more depth. 

 

Prices and Settings ​

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I offer psychotherapy in English or German. Therapy sessions (50 min.) take place one to three times per week.

 

I offer online therapy for expats and people who do not reside in Austria.

 

We discuss the appropriate frequency in the initial consultation. 

 

We fix the price per session depending on your income situation, with the lowest fee being €120.​

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