Psychoanalytic

From a psychoanalytic approach, I follow the models as a fourth by Jacques Lacan. He takes an additional step past Freud and recognizes the interplay of language and culture as reflections of our behavior that often go unnoticed. In bringing out some of these nuanced influences, a person can become much more aware of why they act and think the way they do.

Modern psychoanalysts recognize the individuality of each person. We aim to understand the unconscious forces that may interfere with living fulfilling lives. By creating a non-judgmental space, the analyst helps people talk about feelings, thoughts and fantasies they may not have known they had. By accepting all these thoughts and feelings as valuable information, the analyst helps people learn to tolerate painful feelings and accept the disturbing and sometimes intriguing parts of themselves.

Under this umbrella falls many theories and approaches such as : object relations and modern psychoanalysis. Object relations is in a nutshell you relate to others including partners how your caregiver related to you. We all strive for perfection but it is really about being "good enough". Modern psychoanalysis is focusing on protecting from self attacks and self-sabotage. (cue Bestie Boys music). The therapist job is to have the client "say everything."

The Psychoanalytic model is client-centered and focuses on the past experiences of each client. Past experiences often impact current life situations which can hinder productive growth in the here and now. Past experiences such as childhood trauma or family life cycles are addressed to identify behavioral patterns that require change in the clients life.

We approach therapy through a contemporary psychoanalytic lens to understand what is being communicated through one's behaviors and understand how past experiences are influencing current relationships. As we form our relationships we have found that individuals develop deeper insight, aiding with a deeper understanding of themselves, and experiencing more lasting and sustainable relief.

Carefully listening to the conflicts and desires hidden within your story, through which we can establish new ways for you to live and thrive.

I have years of focused training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.

The current versions of psychoanalytic therapy all examine how a person’s mind works and affects their view of themselves and the world they live in. One central focus is that unconscious factors affect current relationships and behaviors. Psychoanalysis changed since Freud founded it. I focus on how the ways trauma and attachment are central to understanding how the mind works and impacts current thinking, feeling, and behaving, as in my new book, Traumatic Experiences of Normal Development.

I was introduced to modern psychoanalysis through Naropa University, and have continued to deepen with ongoing studies at The Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies in Manhattan, NY.

I practice contemporary psychoanalytic therapy. This means I pay attention to how your past relationships affect the way you learn to regulate and manage emotions in your day-to-day life. Our brains are built through repeated interactions with our earliest relationships and environments, and can be changed through the experience of a new relationship: therapy. This means I consider our work in session as a chance to learn new ways of experiencing your emotions that lead to joy-filled life.

Why psychodynamic/analytic therapy? The here and now psychotherapy relationship opens a stunning window into past, present, and future; into the deep wisdom of the unconscious; and into a creative flexibility that brings more and more wholesomeness, freedom, intimacy, and flourishing of the soul. I have doctoral and postdoctoral training in various contemporary analytic approaches, and I practice from a liberatory, feminist, relational stance.

I work from a social and relational psychoanalytic perspective. I pay close attention to how past and present sociopolitical forces, family dynamics, and personal history shape the way we experience our lives and relate to ourselves, others, and the wider world. From this perspective, I function much less as an authority, but as a partner in trying to make sense of my patients' thoroughly unique experience.

I hold a Certificate in Jungian Studies: C.G. Jung Institute, Los Angeles, and am working towards becoming a Certified IAAP Jungian Analyst: C.G. Jung Institute, Zurich, Switzerland. Jungian Analysis/Depth Therapy is a personalized experience of finding our own personal mythology through deep engagement with the unconscious. We explore Dreams, Symbology, Shadow, Creativity, Phenomenon, Images, and your personal associations in connecting to your Psyche’s soulful longings for this life-journey.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology, with many advanced trainings in Jungian Therapy, known also as Analytical Psychology or Depth Psychology. These include Certification in Jungian Studies, and ongoing Sandplay Training from the C. G. Jung Institute. I attend weekly educational seminars in psychoanalytic counseling with Jungian Analysts in the international and local communities.