What is Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?

While there are many theories about what psychotherapy is, most would agree that the process is relational, difficult and rewarding. However, if this is your first time seeking therapy it is important for you to know that there are many different approaches to choose from. Unlike some therapies that focus, for example, on behavior change alone, psychoanalytic psychotherapy seeks to know the person more deeply as a means to heal not only the symptoms that surface, but the wounds that lay hidden within. By tracing present-day patterns (e.g. symptoms) back to their origins and understanding more about how they have developed over time, psychoanalytic therapy aims to help those in treatment live less encumbered, more meaningful lives. Essential to an effective psychotherapy is the intimate partnership that usually takes some time to develop, allowing the patient to speak about even the most sensitive topics with curiosity and without judgment. Once trust is established, psychotherapy oftentimes facilitates a greater cognitive and emotional awareness of self and other, serving to enliven relationships and enhance the quality of life.

Also unlike other therapeutic modalities, psychoanalytic therapy values aspects of the whole person -- i.e. one's drives, inner conflicts, patterns of relating, wishes and fears, dreams and daydreams, coping mechanisms, symptoms, biological and socio-cultural influences, sense of self and others, etc. -- for the purpose of creating a more robust and integrated narrative of self. As you may imagine, this process can take time. And because it is not particularly en vogue to spend a considerable amount of time and money in psychotherapy, many opt for other, less expensive treatments in hopes that unwanted symptoms and patterns will eventually subside. However, psychoanalytic psychotherapy has been proven as a powerful method of change, a process that for more than a century has brought healing, growth, and vitality to its participants.

What would therapy be like if we were to work together?

Generally speaking, were we to work together you could expect to meet at least once each week for 45 - 55 minutes. The atmosphere of my office is warm and inviting. If it appears that we might be a good fit, the initial "intake" session will be scheduled where we will begin to talk about your history and reason(s) for seeking treatment in more detail. It is not uncommon for me to ask questions about your past, your present day circumstances and, when appropriate, about how you are experiencing the relationship with me, for it is not uncommon for feelings and patterns to emerge within the treatment whose origins lay elsewhere.

I am not a life-coach, so homework assignments and advice are generally not to be expected, nor do I tend to make personal disclosures. Instead, you will be encouraged to speak freely about what comes to mind, for doing so allows for a more organic inquiry to unfold. Although you will be invited to talk about whatever comes to mind leaving, at least in theory, nothing off limits to discuss, you will not be pressured or forced to talk about more than what comfort dictates.

Whether you are seeking a short-term or more extensive psychotherapy, goals will be discussed collaboratively at the beginning of treatment.

Can't I just talk to a good friend or trusted family member?

While we can all benefit from safe, trusted family members and/or friends to confide in, sometimes we reach a point when utilizing a professional can be of great help. To begin, psychotherapy provides a confidential setting where topics can be discussed without fears common to other relationships (e.g. rejection, betrayal, shame, etc.). Secondarily, the psychotherapist has specialized training that allows him/her to construct a frame of treatment (e.g. environment of inquiry) that is optimal for self-discovery. While no treatment should be sought at the exclusion of supportive others in the patient's life (e.g. family and friends), sometimes seeking a trained professional is necessary.