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What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Knowing that a reaction seems out of proportion does not always stop it. Psychodynamic therapy asks about the history and meaning of that reaction, including expectations you may carry into relationships without noticing them.
How do early experiences affect relationships now?
You may have learned to keep sadness quiet, stay useful, or watch for another person's mood. Those responses may have made sense in an earlier relationship and continue even when the people around you are different.
I ask about specific experiences rather than assuming childhood explains everything. A parent's response to disappointment, an important loss, or how conflict was handled can help us understand what you expect today.
What does unconscious mean in therapy?
It refers to feelings, meanings, or expectations that influence you without being easy to recognize. You might automatically apologize before realizing you are afraid someone will pull away.
We do not need to uncover a hidden truth on demand. I listen for repeated themes, moments that bring a strong reaction, and gaps between what you think you should feel and what you actually experience.
Why does insight matter?
Noticing a familiar pattern can make a current interaction less confusing. You may recognize that asking for help brings an old expectation of criticism, even when the person you are asking has not criticized you.
Recognition alone does not guarantee a different response. We also pay attention to feelings as they arise, choices you can consider, and the difficulty of trying something unfamiliar. Understanding and practice can belong in the same conversation.
Do we talk about what happens between us?
Yes, when it feels relevant. You might worry that I am disappointed, hesitate to disagree, or expect me to overlook something important. Those experiences can offer a concrete place to examine an expectation.
I invite questions and corrections rather than treating my interpretation as the final answer. You can tell me something does not fit. I want the conversation to remain connected to your experience, not just a theory.
How do I blend this with other approaches?
IFS can help us listen to protective responses while psychodynamic work considers their history. Narrative ideas help question descriptions such as being too needy or always difficult. I use these approaches according to the conversation.
My individual sessions are 45 minutes, online in California, Arizona, and Missouri or in person in Manhattan Beach. A free consultation gives you room to ask how this work might fit your concerns. Rates has private pay and superbill information; therapy usually meets weekly.
What Else Might You Want to Know?
Will every session focus on childhood?
Do you interpret everything I say?
How long does this work take?
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