My Approach
My style is interactive, and my therapeutic approach is psychoanalytic, which means I believe the past shapes our perceptions and behaviors.
A psychoanalytic approach goes deeper than suggesting alternatives to thought patterns or behaviors by enhancing awareness of why we think, feel, and react in the ways we do.
Research has shown that psychodynamic therapy not only has similar effect sizes to other evidence-based approaches, but the effects are sustained and psychological improvement continues even after the treatment has concluded (Shedler, 2010).
Working in the moment, I help clients understand how their minds work, what emotions or thoughts might disrupt thinking, how this impacts how they think and feel about themselves, or how that interferes with their capacity for vulnerability and connection. Working within the therapeutic relationship, I pay close attention to how my clients perceive themselves and how they imagine others perceive them (including myself) to work towards seeing themselves and others with greater nuance and more clarity.
Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378
What My Approach Looks Like in Session
Sessions are conversational and active.
You’ll have space to talk openly, while I’ll offer observations, and help you make connections between your current experiences and deeper patterns.
We may explore past relationships and experiences, as well as what unfolds between us in the therapy room.
The goal is to understand why you respond the way you do, so that you can begin to make choices with greater awareness and freedom. With greater self-understanding, clients are freer to make choices instead of reacting to the moment, which leads to more intimacy, connection, and engagement in their life.
I find it extremely rewarding to watch my clients grow and make lasting changes in their lives.
Is This Approach Right For You?
This work is a good fit for people who are curious about themselves and ready to look beneath the surface.
You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you do need to be willing to explore, reflect, and engage in the process—even when it gets uncomfortable.
If you’re curious to learn more, get in touch with me.