PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

My primary treatment approach is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (a form of Depth Psychology), which is a powerful, evidence based treatment for emotional discomfort or Mental Health concerns, an avenue for self-discovery, and a means towards enhancing relationships with others and the world.  While Brief Counselling focuses on a specific problem or symptom, Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy values self awareness and aims to address the patterns underlying your emotional suffering and assist you to move toward greater psychological balance and integration. Long-Term Psychotherapy (lasting from several months to a few years) can bring about lasting change. People often commence Psychotherapy to address mental health, interpersonal, emotional, or behavioural concerns, or to embark on a journey of personal growth, self awareness, and healing. 

 

Relational Psychodynamic theory assumes that our personalities are shaped by developmental stages, by attachment to other people or places, by separations, trauma and losses, and by both real and 'internalized' relationships with significant others. What happens when we are infants, children, adolescents, and young adults affects the way we see the world, the defenses or coping strategies we use, the types of relationships we have, and the way we feel about ourselves, the world, and others.  In Psychodynamic Psychotherapy I aim to understand your unique inner experience in its social/interpersonal context, and respond with empathy and genuine presence. We will mutually explore your past and present experiences and relationships and start an ongoing dialogue to develop understandings about your patterns.  As new understandings and experiences occur within the therapeutic relationship, healing takes place and positive changes become possible.   

Considerable research supports the efficacy of Psychodynamic Therapy. If you like to read research studies, you can download a recent review article on the efficacy of Psychodynamic Therapy here.