How we do therapy.

We approach individual therapy from a contemporary psychodynamic perspective. From this foundation we integrate relational-interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques depending on each client’s individual needs and goals for therapy. 

What does this all mean?

It means that first and foremost you have to know yourself, meaning deeply understand why you tick the way you do, before any lasting change can take place. As your therapist, we participate like a guide in developing that self-understanding. We meet you where you are and then foster curiosity with you about you. Together, we explore your blindspots in knowing yourself, your patterns, where you get stuck, and what role you play in what isn’t working for you.

Sometimes this process of growing self-awareness requires looking at the past. This is because part of learning something new often requires unlearning something old. This might also require a process of healing or acceptance of past hurts, disappointments, or losses before taking control of the present and future.

Other times the process of learning about yourself means focusing on the here and now. How do your expectations, fears, beliefs, and behaviors influence your approach to love, friendship, communication, work, and play? Therapy is the laboratory where you can examine your thoughts, feelings, and interpersonal interactions down to their essence. When your awareness about the way you treat yourself, approach relationships, and interact with others starts being known it stops being automatic. That’s where change and growth have an opportunity to come in. In fact, your relationship with the therapist itself may be the first place to start to safely experiment with new ways of communicating and interacting. 

Once you and your therapist have a solid understanding of the patterns that are getting in the way of what you want from life and from your relationships, then action begins. You now have the freedom to make the changes that will allow you to experience a more fulfilling life. Your therapist will be your collaborator in making those changes. Part of this process will be deciding together how to alter those pieces that are within your control and how to cope differently with those that are not.

And that’s how we do therapy. It all starts with the Groundwork and grows from there.