Psychoanalytic

Psychoanalytic theory, the theory that guides psychoanalysis, was first developed by Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic treatment method founded in the study of the unconscious mind. Freud believed that people could be cured of any number of mental health issues by making conscious their unconscious thoughts and motivations, which provides insights into the root of the issue. The goal of is to release pent-up or repressed emotions and memories to lead the client to catharsis, or healing. Traditionally, psychoanalysis sessions will occur 4–5 times a week, with clients lying on a couch, and the therapist (or analyst) often sitting just behind and out of sight. The client will express their thoughts, dreams and fantasies, which the analyst will examine to help the client gain powerful insights. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s psychoanalytic experts today.

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Meet the specialists

 

I have a PsyD degree and am a licensed psychoanalyst.

— Sally Stephens, Clinical Psychologist in Pasadena, CA

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.

— Aleisa Myles, Psychologist in Media, PA
 

I am trained in psychodynamic (also called psychoanalytic) approaches, which focus on deep listening to help you understand what is really going on behind your symptoms. Psychoanalytic therapy is one of the longest-enduring forms of therapy and its effectiveness has been empirically verified.

— Benjamin Wyatt, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Indianapolis, IN

I am extensively trained in TFP-E the only valid reliable treatment to promote Identity consolidation of personality pathology with the goal of improving Self experience & Interpersonal functioning. This neuropsychoanalytic treatment includes neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, developmental, object relations, psychodynamics, & relational psychoanalysis. As an expert, I first conduct an assessment of both personality functioning & personality organization.

— Dr. Shawna Freshwater, Clinical Psychologist in Miami Beach, FL
 

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.

— Jennifer Coonce, Psychoanalyst in Brooklyn, NY

In order to heal, you have to truly get to know yourself. Psychoanalytic therapy helps you understand yourself on a more intimate level. By exploring past experiences and relationships, in addition to what is going on for you in the here and now, we can gain greater access to all that is you. This kind of therapy expands your consciousness and opens up worlds of possibility. You will start to connect the dots between past and present, which can be both revelatory and liberating.

— Julia Lehrman, Psychotherapist in San Francisco, CA
 

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.

— Grace Ballard, Sex Therapist in New York, 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.

— Connor McClenahan, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
 

The root of so much of our pain as individuals is our brain's connection to past memories and the meaning we associate with those memories. Through this approach I will help clients to undertone their personal narrative and how it plays out into their everyday life and choices.

— Keavy Smith, Clinical Social Worker in Natick, MA

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

— David Brown, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
 

After graduate school, I completed two years of advanced clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis in 2015. Prior to that, I participated in the fellowship program with the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute (2010-2011) and the fellowship program with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (2011-2013).

— Sara Todd, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Madison, WI

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."

— Alicia Walker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montclair, NJ
 

This approach explore how the unconscious mind influences your thoughts, behaviors and feelings. I believe Anxiety and depressive symptoms are manifestations of deeper challenges that we will uncover together.

— Fatemah Dhirani, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY