Psychodynamic approach
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychotherapy is not an exact science. Neither is there a single approach that can be universally applied to treat all clients in the same manner.
Although therapists usually specialize in one of the different therapeutic perspectives, often times they ‘borrow’ some elements of other modalities in order to accommodate to the client’s unique needs, symptoms and personality.
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and how does it work?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is useful for people who are either interested in, or in need of, to understanding themselves and what is going on in their internal world. The issues to deal with can be related to depression, anxiety, loss, self-esteem, trauma, etc. or to understand their inner selves as well as the way in which they carry themselves in their world.
Psychotherapy provides individuals with a unique opportunity to create and develop a relationship with their therapist and, through this relationship, to explore the ways in which s/he relates to others.
The therapeutic work is carried out in a safe and confidential environment (face-to-face or online), allowing individuals to freely bring into the therapy all the aspects of their personality and the issues they are struggling with.
Since every person sees and feels things in a different manner, the therapeutic journey will be very different for each one.
How can Psychodynamic therapy help?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help with various kinds of emotional and mental difficulties, as well as psychosomatic problems. Among others, therapy can help with everyday challenges such as work related issues, managing change, communication breakdown and midlife crisis, psychological difficulties such as bereavement, grief, loss, physical and emotional abuse, and clinical problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, obsessions and compulsions among others.
The more a person is agreeable to express his/her thoughts and feelings without censoring them, be as open, forthcoming and honest, and willing to explore the extent of the difficulties together with the therapist, the higher the chances of satisfactory and rewarding achievements in the healing process .
What does the Psychodynamic psychotherapist do?
Drawing on his or her knowledge and experience in the practice of psychotherapy, the therapist's work aims at helping people to resolve the issues they are struggling with. This is done by a two-way discussion about issues and experiences that people may have never had to chance to talk or even think about, to see them clearly and, through this process, to better understand what is happening inside them.
Throughout the entire process the therapist will carefully listen and seek clarification about peoples' background, the environment they live and/or work in, their feelings and perceptions. More importantly, the therapist will provide help in bringing to the surface the issues the individual is struggling with, to understand and to see how they arrived at this point, and to find their own solutions.
The result of psychotherapeutic process is that issues that previously brought fear, anxiety, confusion and lack of meaning become clearer, so that individuals develop a better understanding of themselves and are able to regain control over their lives, emotional state, behaviors and thoughts, as opposed to being controlled by them.
What does the Psychodynamic psychotherapist not do?
The psychotherapist does not have any means of knowing what people is struggling about or why, does not provide ready-made solutions to particular problems, and is not as an authority that ‘knows better’ and hence will tell people what they should do or how.
However, throughout the therapeutic journey, the therapist helps individuals identify, explore and better understand situations and its root causes. Together, therapist and client will find resolution and solutions in a way that will strengthen the client's self-confidence and increase their internal resources which will enable them to feel more empowered.
The Challenge
The Therapeutic Journey
Sometimes life presents us with challenging episodes and events that may evoke confusion, feelings of being stuck and/or unhealthy reactions and behaviours. Counselling/Psychotherapy creates a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore and understand those emotions that affect our psychological and emotional wellbeing, uncovering a different way forward. It facilitates awareness of your needs, difficulties, repetitive patterns of behaviour and also helps developing insight about who you are to yourself and to others.
Although the process of change can sometimes be challenging, it does provide a chance for you to reclaim greater control of your life. Working together, be it in my practice or through online therapy, I can help you to safely grasp that opportunity.
The quality of the rapport and strength in the relationship between the client and the therapist (‘working alliance’) is essential to ensure a healthy progress in the client’s psychological and emotional state.
Therapy Benefits
The goal of therapy is to increase self-exploration, create awareness, and promote personal growth. Throughout this therapeutic journey, you will develop a greater sense of wellbeing and authenticity enabling you to achieve your full potential.
the therapy
My Approach
Focuses on the unconscious processes and the impact they have in who you are and how you relate to the world. Throughout the therapeutic process we discuss and elaborate on relationships with parents and significant people during your upbringing.
This is relevant because understanding the past is key to the understanding of who you are and where you are right now in your life and your relationships. Despite the importance of this, it is also essential to discuss the ‘here and now’ because what you are experiencing is happening today.
Although I started my career using a Psychodynamic Approach, which stresses the importance of the unconscious and past experience in shaping current behavior, I soon realized that it was only the beginning.
While gaining clinical experience, and simultaneously expanding my academic background, I started incorporating to my practice additional core psychoanalytic concepts.
Contact
Contact me and make an appointment.
To book an appointment, please email me or forward a note to me using de form, or telephone me on the number below. If you send me a message, i will contact you within the next 24 hours, on business days. The information you provide will be treated in strict confidence.