Psychodynamic Therapy

My graduate training was primarily rooted in contemporary psychodynamic therapy. What this means is that our work together can incorporate safely exploring your emotions (even those that might be painful!), identifying recurring themes or patterns in your life, and talking about how your past experiences might still be impacting you in the present. I also believe that the relationship between therapist and client is critical and that we can use it to learn more about how you relate to others.

Looking at what we see, what we think, what we feel, what is obvious, what is hidden, what is conscious, what is unconscious, what we are doing, what we did, what we want, what we don't want, talking freely and openly as comfort and trust allow in order to sort out what we are all about.

I have been trained eclectically, but also have an extensive background in psychoanalytical and psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy, especially those that engage the relational dimensions of the process as a focus. Some of my training in this area includes: (1) Participation in a year-long practicum drawing on self-psychology at the Pierce Street Counseling Center, (2) Participation in a two year-long Intensive Study Groups offered by the Northern California Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology, (3) Weekly relationally-oriented group consultation with analyst, Cindy Sachs since 2014, (4) Bi-weekly participation for 10 years in a psychoanalytically-oriented consultation group facilitated by Dr. Robert Carrere, a training analyst at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California, drawing from the principles and theories of Modern Psychoanalysis and (5) Completion of a two-year program in supervision at The Psychotherapy Institute.

My approach to treatment is mostly influenced by psychodynamic theory and a specific kind of psychodynamic theory in particular, Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT). Broadly, this means that we will work together to understand the current difficulties that you're experiencing in terms of internal, mental processes. By putting our minds together to better understand what's going on on the inside, you'll experience more flexibility and more agency in your life outside of therapy.

Specializing in psychodynamic theory, I explore the unconscious, revealing its influence on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By understanding past experiences' impact on present dynamics, clients gain self-awareness, promote growth, heal emotionally, and form more authentic relationships.

I believe in treating the client as a whole, and considering how their past experiences may impact their present level of functioning and future goals. Insight and understanding of yourself can greatly impact the choices you make, as well as your view of the society in which we live. I hope for you to become the best, "you," that you want to become. Life can be a complicated journey, but surrounding yourself with positive peers and healthy ways of living can help ease the challenging times.

I have a PsyD in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy training was part of that degree

I am interested in the formation of our ego structure, the organization of our personality and how we view the world. I am tuned into the presence of defense mechanism, how they protect us and why they were formed. I care about how our past experience shape who we are as people. I am tuned into the transference and counter transference in the therapy room. This means, what is happening between therapist and client and making meaning of behaviors and feelings.

I use a primarily psychodynamic approach to bring about change. This means that I primarily listen as we freely associate our narratives.

Some of my clients wish to go deeper than just problem solving, symptom reduction, and skill-building. Employing aspects of psychodynamic therapy, I help people notice and review emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, and beliefs to gain insight into their lives and present-day problems and to evaluate the patterns they have developed over time. Recognizing recurring patterns can help people see how they avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms to cope so that they can take steps to change those patterns. I draw on several different psychodynamic styles in order to tailor my approach to bet fit and help each individual client.

In psychodynamic therapy, I excel due to my deep understanding of unconscious processes and their impact on behavior. I adeptly explore past experiences, relationships, and unresolved conflicts to uncover underlying patterns. Through empathetic listening and interpretation, I guide clients towards self-awareness, insight, and lasting change.

I studied psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.

Are there memories, experiences, or patterns from your past that seem to be impacting you today? Psychodynamic psychotherapy delves into how past experiences can shape current thoughts and behaviors, including unconscious patterns that may be playing out in your day-to-day life. Through the exploration of relationships and emotions, we will work together to gain insight from your past and navigate your future with resilience.

I believe that a warm and collaborative therapy space is the best foundation for self-reflection and for finding courage to make changes, while feeling supported and seen. In our work together we will approach the therapeutic journey from a holistic perspective, integrating a psychodynamic lens with a solution-focused process to achieve your goals.

Psychodynamic therapy helps you uncover how your past experiences and unconscious thoughts affect your present life. By understanding these deep connections, you can gain insight and find relief from emotional challenges. It's a great choice if you're looking to explore and heal the root causes of your feelings and behaviors.