My Approach to Psychotherapy

My approach to therapy is influenced by several theories, including psychodynamic, Jungian, existential, and Buddhist. Underlying each theory is the basic premise that self-exploration and awareness are key elements of the therapeutic process. Following is a brief summary of the basic theory behind each of these approaches.

Psychodynamic theory is based on the idea that our childhood experiences and family dynamics have a profound effect on our adult lives. Processing childhood trauma in the safety of the therapy office allows a client to grieve his/her past and eventually move on. Through an exploration of the child/parent relationship, clients learn how they unconsciously recreate similar dynamics that may be problematic in their adult lives. Issues that arise in the client’s interpersonal world will probably be played out in the therapeutic relationship. If that relationship is characterized by respect, genuineness and congruency, a corrective experience is possible. When we are able to develop an understanding of how our past impacts our present, we become more free to respond thoughtfully and purposefully to our environment rather than react to it reflexively.

Existential theory assumes that the incredible diversity of all psychological problems, including addiction, depression and anxiety all stem from the same basic human issues that we all confront, including fear of death, fundamental aloneness and ultimate responsibility for creating meaning in our lives. It is our resistance and defenses to these fundamental truths that cause our suffering. Personal growth and inner peace are gained by turning toward what we most fear rather than simply medicating and distracting ourselves.

Buddhist theory — My practice is influenced by some Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, the view of the interconnection of all beings, and a striving toward peace in our minds and in our interpersonal lives. Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness and awareness of one’s inner life are particularly applicable to the therapeutic process. Self-awareness can allow us to disidentify with behaviors that are reflexive, compulsive or unconscious. This leads to choice and a greater range of responses to our environment/relationships.

Jungian theory — According to Carl Jung "that which is not made conscious comes to us as fate." Just as Oedipus created his own greatest fears by his inability to face what he knew on a deep level, our unconscious often drives us to manifest what we most fear in our lives. By working with dreams, fantasies and fears, and working with the images that are associated with these, one’s unconscious becomes accessible, and eventually leads one toward healing. Attention to these issues also evokes a sense of wonder at the mystery and depth of the psyche’s processes. St Augustine said: "People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering."

Social obstacles — Finally, I am very sensitive to issues of sexism, racism and multiculturalism. I do not overlook the fact that for many people, suffering is related to the experience of living in a society that subjugates women, people of color, and sexual minorities. I am also aware of the difficulty of assimilating into a new culture, and of the cross-generational conflicts that arise in immigrant and refugee families.