Psychodynamic psychotherapy for various adults
Adults seek therapy for a wide variety of issues. Psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis provide you with an opportunity to focus on yourself in a safe, judgment-free environment. In the beginning stages of therapy, I will work closely with you to help you gain some perspective of where you are in your life and where you wish to be in the future.
Generally, the purpose of psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis is to help you attain personal growth, healing, development, and optimal well-being.
Advantages of psychodynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis include:
- Healing past wounds and experiencing emotional wellness
- Learning communication skills and conflict resolution
- Increasing one’s ability to create and nurture lasting relationships
- Resolving anxiety, trauma, depression
- Navigating life’s transitions
- Balancing work, social and family life
- Learning to cope with chronic and life threatening illness
- Strengthening and integrating your mental, emotional, and physical self
A note on LGBTQ+
Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals share universal issues, individual concerns are unique and differ from one person to the next. It has been my experience that many LGBTQ+ individuals feel more comfortable with a therapist who is familiar with the issues they face as well as someone who is accepting, supportive, and encouraging during treatment.
I provide affirmative therapy in a safe environment for all LGBTQ+ individuals, and teens and am prepared to address the complexities facing those in this community. I have extensive experience working with the community and a few of the challenges that I tend to focus on include:
1. Relationships and Dating
2. Living with HIV/AIDS
3. Coming Out
4. Sexual Compulsion
5. Self-Esteem
6. Sexual/Gender Identity and transitions
7. Sexuality
8. Intimacy Issues
9. Dealing with Shame
10. Internalized homophobia
11.Internalized transphobia
For some individuals, sexual orientation and identity issues may be associated to depression, anxiety and other emotional stressors. I address these in our work together. For others, these issues may not be at the forefront and so, I will work with you to focus on your specific individual needs and life problems.
A note on Artists
Artists have a unique culture and specific challenges which other social groups do not face. I should know, aside from being a therapist, I am a black & white fine art photographer.
Artists are wired differently than the rest of people so feeling alone in the world, despite being surrounded by people, is an emotion that artists are all too familiar with. The saying “artists suffer for their work” applies both literally and metaphorically. Sure everybody invests time, money and effort in their chosen career but few have to use and expose their deepest, most personal emotions to the world. This is the artist’s main tool, a double edged sword that both lifts them in public and tears them down in private. Artists sacrifice time, money, relationships, and their own health by putting themselves on the table, with no guarantee of success. Artists understand that meaningful art comes from deep within, the strong emotions they often try to bury: anger, fear, sadness, and loneliness just to name a few. Artists often feel discouraged and create despite of a lack of feeling support from their families and community, sometimes precarious living conditions, and oftentimes financial struggles. Is it any wonder then that imagination and creativity have long been linked to mental health issues such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidality? Being able to draw from the horrors inside and create something truly beautiful takes so much stamina and suffering.
Feeling alone in the world changes an artist’s perception and the ways she deals with the challenges of art and life. When someone feels alone for a long time, they will eventually grow to believe it. They use the anti-tool of generalization and no longer ask for help (because when they did the most important people in their life already said “no”), or engage others for moral support, and eventually close themselves in. Closing yourself in is a problem all on its’ own, but when an artist does it, their work suffers. Not only do artists keep others out, they also keep themselves out. Their emotions become unbearable and to protect themselves, they close the door to the one thing that helps them be great artists: their feelings. Those strong emotions (fear, anger, sadness, etc) are scary to acknowledge, let alone deal with or use for a higher purpose (create art).
I focus on artists and creative people in my practice because I know your struggles, I’m familiar with the challenges you face every day, and I know what to do to help you!