Overview of my psychotherapy approach

My relational psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy is informed by an extensive body of empirical research on the principles of personality development throughout the lifespan. Relationships with family, peers, community, and culture provide the learning environment in which our personality unfolds. How the mind and body work together in the process of change and growth is also of central importance. In recent years psychotherapy outcome research has provided evidence for the effectiveness of psychodynamic forms of psychotherapy.

Psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy have changed dramatically since the time of Freud. One of the changes that I find most beneficial is the openness to learning from other schools of thought referred to as psychotherapy integration. When indicated I utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques including mindfulness training and experiential techniques in a way that is consistent with my central relational psychodynamic approach. Psychotherapy integration looks for the commonalities between therapeutic ideas across different therapeutic models. It is an empirically informed way of enhancing the effectiveness of psychotherapy. It is different than eclectic psychotherapy which often takes the form of trial and error.

Learn more about my psychotherapy approach by clicking the following links: problems addressed, goals, and what to expect.