In My Experience -
There are many different approaches to therapy. Some modalities are more structured and emphasize learning to think differently or change behaviors or relieve specific symptoms. Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the unconscious. Bringing those things that are largely outside of our awareness to light. It’s based on the belief that our awareness of ourselves is much like an iceberg: we can see the portion that floats above the water line, but most of what really constitutes the self is below the surface. This unknown dimension of our selves has a considerable impact on our everyday lives - and sometimes the impact is very painful or even destructive.
The work of discovering these dimensions and integrating pain into your life’s story can be terrifying. You (understandably!) might prefer to ignore, avoid, and find other ways of coping. But the process of leaning in, doing this work, and coming to truly know oneself creates the possibility for a more meaningful experience of life and relationships. Growth itself is often painful, but allows you to move beyond the places you are feeling stuck, hurt, inadequate, angry, ashamed, or unfulfilled.
You don’t have to do this alone! I will sit with you in this process. It won’t look or feel methodical or structured necessarily, as this process will be very unique to you. It won’t look like a quick fix, with magical solutions that solve problems in 5 sessions or less. It might actually feel worse before it feels better.
Why People Seek Out Therapy
I have often found that individuals seek out therapy when something feels “off” or painful, or when relationships, work, or home life feel overwhelming. They may feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward and the hope of working with a therapist is to find the “fix,” the quick solution to the problem. But therapy is so much more than this!
A Different Way to Look at the Process
Psychotherapy might be compared to physical therapy. When experiencing an injury, physical therapy can help you build strength to repair a part of the body that has weakened. In therapy, the hope is to help you discover and work with feelings that may have atrophied, to face pain, build or rebuild “emotional muscles,” and exercise a different way of being.
My Promise
I will listen carefully, to what you say and what you are not saying. I will pay attention to the nuances of your voice, your face, your body. I will reflect what I am seeing and hearing and thinking as I listen to you. Together we will get to know the dimensions of you and your story, and see where that leads.
Let’s see if we are a good fit to do this important work together!