Philosophy and Approach

My approach is oriented in Psychodynamic theory. I say oriented because I use this theory as a general guide to my work. It is highly unlikely that any one theory can fully explain the complexity of the human condition.

I sometimes integrate cognitive, behavioral, and eastern philosophical concepts and techniques into this orientation. Aboutpsychotherapy.com is a great resource if you are interested in learning more about the various approaches/schools of psychotherapy.

In addition, I practice with a “person-in-environment” perspective. In other words, I believe that social, cultural, and environmental conditions can have a significant impact on your emotional health. So while I am interested in what is going on inside of you, I am also looking at what is going on around you.

What is psychodynamic theory?

Psychodynamic theory is based on the understanding that emotional distress (anxiety, anger, sadness, emptiness) is largely a result of psychological or mental conflict.

A conflict can be understood as the tension between two or more needs, desires, or emotions. A simple example of conflict may be the healthy desire to meet new people and be close to others, but doing so may make you feel vulnerable and bring up intense anxiety. Here there is tension between the desire to meet new people and the anxiety it raises. In order to deal with the conflict (and lessen the anxiety) you may engage in various behaviors to avoid people all together (a defense).

Often the emotions, thoughts or behaviors that maintain or give life to this conflict are out of your conscious awareness or are unconscious. This occurs because the conflict is too uncomfortable or painful to deal with, so putting thoughts and feelings out of awareness helps you avoid the pain. Psychic conflict can be rooted in multiple factors such as personality, childhood experiences, as well as social and cultural conditions. This is why you may only have a vague idea of what is really bothering you when experiencing emotional distress. It is the work of psychodynamic therapy to explore and make sense of this.

Another angle in understanding this is that people naturally avert pain; both physical and emotional. This makes sense; after all, who enjoys feeling sad, angry, or anxious? Emotional pain, just as physical pain, is not an entirely bad thing. Just as pain in your chest will get you to see a doctor (a good thing), emotional pain or distress may push you to look at yourself more closely.

As agonizing as emotional distress can be, it often acts as a signal that life has become unbalanced. By pushing you to change, it can be life enhancing. It is through overcoming your fear of emotions, and experiencing what needs to be experienced, that you are able to find relief from true suffering and get on with your life.

My Approach

Psychotherapy is rarely a clear linear process. In many ways it resembles a journey. A journey has a beginning and a desired destination; but rarely can one know for sure or predict what will come up during the journey.

In the beginning, my focus is getting to know you, getting a deep sense of your emotional distress and/or problems, and gaining understanding of how I may be able to help. I make every effort to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environmental for you to share. We will also work collaboratively to identify what you want to see different in yourself and in your life.

How long will psychotherapy take? Due to the unique circumstances of each person, the answer to this question depends on several factors which include: the problem or issue; the severity of the problem or issue; personal characteristics; and the level of change that you desire. In short, psychotherapy should take only as long as is needed for you to achieve what you want. After our first few sessions, I should have a pretty good idea of how long it may take for you.

I do not believe that therapy needs to be mysterious or leave you in the dark. So over the course of therapy, and depending on many factors regarding your unique circumstances, you may expect some or all of the following:

• Helping you identify patterns of feelings, thoughts, and/or behavior of which you previously may have been unaware.
  
  
• Collaboratively work together to understand how unhealthy patterns (often called defenses) developed and how they maintain your present circumstances.
  
  
• Collaboratively and sensitively work to peel away these defenses to reveal your core hurts and psychic conflicts.
  
  
• Collaboratively work to reveal, recognize, and encourage the use of your natural gifts and strengths to eliminate or diminish the need for unhealthy defenses.
  
  
• Because you may tend to over-think your problems in what is called “paralysis by analysis”, I may ask you to be mindful and “sit with” emotions or thoughts that come up during sessions.
  
  
• Support and encourage healthier ways of relating to others at home, at work, and in your social life.
  
  
• Because I am human, I pay careful attention to my own feelings in therapy to understand how you interact with others in your daily life. I may use this information to help you understand yourself in relation to others. I provide this information sensitively and thoughtfully.

In my experience, the two strongest factors to achieving a positive outcome are the quality of the therapeutic relationship that is formed, and the client’s desire for change.