My primary therapeutic approach is psychodynamic psychotherapy; however, I also draw on several other approaches in my work with adult individuals. Although I describe them below as discrete categories, in practice they are incorporated according to the needs of the individual client in the moment.
Intensive emotion-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy – This is a shorter-term variant of traditional long-term (typically 2 years plus) psychodynamic psychotherapy, focusing on bringing swift resolution to a broad range of psychological problems and self-defeating patterns. The goal is not only to gain insight into problematic ways of coping and relating, but to actually give them up for healthier alternatives. This type of therapy is very interactive and collaborative, and it requires a high level of client motivation to be successful. It is often helpful for clients who tend to spend too much time in their heads and have difficulty tuning into more intense emotional experiences and the body signals that accompany them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This is another typically shorter-term treatment that places more focus the role of maladaptive beliefs and habitual thought patterns on mood and anxiety difficulties. It also tends to be very interactive, but in a more tutor-student mode with use of worksheets, diagrams, and coaching. Unlike the psychodynamic approach, it emphasizes thoughts and emotions that are readily accessible and it is often preferred for clients who are experiencing an excess of emotions and wish to gain greater capacity to regulate their emotional states.
Supportive therapy – Less a separate orientation than a response to specific needs, such as periods of high stress or trauma. This is a more gentle, less challenging mode of therapy that seeks to help clients who need to feel heard, understood, and validated in their efforts to cope with very demanding internal and external experiences. Direct advice may be provided at times, and the focus is more on helping the client feel that they are in a safe and supportive relationship that does not replicate the more destructive experiences of their past. In practice, therapy often moves between supportive and exploring modalities.
Mindfulness, Focusing, Dream & Imagery Work - These are more tools or skills clients can learn to utilize in daily life rather than modes of therapy. In mindfulness, which is a meditation practice, the client learns to dis-identify with their problematic thoughts and feelings, adopting an attitude of acceptance and compassionate non-judgment. Closely related, Focusing helps the client learn to attune to somatic or bodily symptoms as possible signals or clues to hidden emotional conflicts. Dreams and spontaneous internal images can offer a wealth of information about the state of our psyches, relationships, and life circumstances, as well as suggestions for how to resolve long-standing problems.
Individual psychotherapy sessions typically last about 50 minutes and the frequency of appointments will depend on your specific treatment plan.
Regular attendance is essential for the fastest path to recovery.