Psychotherapy
My Approach
Every person has a unique history, way of relating to others, and way of experiencing the world. While emotional difficulties may appear similar on the surface, the experiences that give rise to them often differ considerably from one person to another. My approach is grounded in the belief that understanding these differences is essential to providing meaningful psychological care.
I work from a psychodynamic perspective, which seeks to understand emotional experiences within the broader context of a person's life, relationships, development, and inner world. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I aim to understand how they have developed, what they may represent, and how they fit within the person's overall psychological functioning.
How I Understand Psychological Difficulties
Psychological difficulties rarely emerge in isolation. They often develop over time through the interaction of temperament, relationships, life experiences, developmental processes, and the ways in which a person has learned to adapt to challenges.
Many aspects of our emotional lives operate outside of immediate awareness. At times, experiences that are difficult to understand or express may instead be communicated indirectly through emotions, behaviours, relationships, or recurring patterns. Exploring these experiences together can gradually lead to a broader and more coherent understanding of what a person is living.
My aim is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to understand the processes that contribute to them and the meaning they may hold within the person's life.
What Therapy Is Like
Therapy is a collaborative process. I remain actively engaged throughout our work together, thinking with the person rather than observing from a distance.
Sessions are not guided by a predetermined agenda or a fixed sequence of techniques. Instead, they are shaped by what emerges naturally over time. Attention is given both to what is expressed directly and to what may become apparent more gradually, including experiences that may initially feel difficult to describe, understand, or put into words.
The therapeutic relationship itself becomes an important space for understanding emotional experiences, relational patterns, and ways of approaching oneself and others.
How Psychological Change Occurs
Psychological change often begins with understanding.
As emotional experiences become more fully understood, they may gradually feel more coherent, more manageable, and less overwhelming. Difficulties that once seemed confusing or repetitive can begin to take on new meaning, allowing greater flexibility in how a person understands themselves, relates to others, and responds to life's challenges.
This process is often gradual and unfolds differently for each individual. Rather than seeking quick solutions, therapy aims to foster changes that are meaningful, enduring, and integrated into a person's broader way of experiencing themselves and the world.
Working with Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Although my overall approach remains consistent, therapy naturally takes different forms depending on a person's stage of development.
Children
With children, therapy often involves play, drawing, conversation, and observation. These become meaningful ways of understanding emotional experiences that may not yet be easily expressed in words. When appropriate, parents or caregivers may also be involved as part of the therapeutic process.
Adolescents
Therapy with adolescents provides a space to explore emotions, identity, relationships, and developmental challenges while respecting the growing need for autonomy. The pace and focus of therapy are shaped collaboratively and adapted to each adolescent's individual needs.
Adults
With adults, therapy often explores longstanding emotional patterns, relationships, life transitions, trauma, and questions of identity. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of current difficulties within the broader context of a person's life and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an approach that seeks to understand emotional difficulties within the broader context of a person's history, relationships, development, and inner experience. Rather than focusing solely on reducing symptoms, it aims to understand the underlying processes that contribute to psychological distress.
Will you tell me what to do?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an approach that seeks to understand emotional difficulties within the broader context of a person's history, relationships, development, and inner experience. Rather than focusing solely on reducing symptoms, it aims to understand the underlying processes that contribute to psychological distress.
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy varies depending on each person's goals, circumstances, and the nature of the difficulties being addressed. Some people seek support around a specific concern, while others choose longer-term work to better understand longstanding emotional patterns.
Do you work with trauma?
Yes. I have a particular interest in trauma and in understanding how traumatic experiences may influence emotional functioning, relationships, development, and adaptation across the lifespan.