Abstract
Homelessness is a multidimensional reality with political, socio-economic, familial, psychological
and health aspects. How homelessness is thought of shapes how it is responded to. The aim of this
study is to explore psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy with homeless people. Firstly,
the definitions and prevalence of homelessness are noted and the main strategy for responding to it
is mentioned. The notion of physical and psychological shelter is introduced and attention is drawn
to the problem that some homeless people have relating to a physical space and a possible reason
for this is given. A number of different ways of conceptualising homelessness within a
psychological and psychotherapeutic frame are described. The different kinds of psychoanalytic and
psychodynamic psychotherapy offered to homeless people are reviewed. A recommendation for
future research in this area is made.
