Psychodynamic Approach

A psychodynamic approach seeks to affect deeper lasting changes by working with the unconscious—bringing the light of awareness to it in order to examine and reprogram it when necessary.  Most of us intuitively understand how early life experiences and the environment in which we grew in shape our self-concept, self-esteem, and our view of the world.  Much of this self-concept and world-view often remains unconscious. Furthermore, early relationships with our primary care givers form the template for our ways of attaching and relating to others, especially affecting our romantic relationships.  This early-established self-complex and the associated patterns for relating to others, drive many aspects of our behavior and feelings. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, beliefs such as “I am not lovable”, or “I can only get the attention and love I need if I am successful/beautiful/smart/productive/accommodating/etc.” or “something is wrong with me”, naturally reinforce themselves as we often engage, even if unconsciously, in behaviors that reinforce our deeply held beliefs. Uncovering and reprogramming this unconscious self-concept, at times aided with the use of dreams, helps in creating deeper sustainable changes in our personality structures and ways of relating to others and ourselves.