Philosophic Foundation

I use a combination of theories to inform and direct my work with you, primarily Object Relations theory, Psychodynamic theory, and I borrow from other theories and methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral theory.

Object Relations psychotherapy is based on the theory that relationships from early in your life can seem to repeat themselves in your relationships in the present. A person you are in contact with can seem like they are behaving in the same manner as a person from your past causing you to react in the present in the same way you did in the past. The way you handle issues in your early life may no longer be effective when you respond the same way in your adult life. This theory teaches that by understanding your early relationships you can change and improve your current relationships.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the theory that your adult personality is the result of developmental stages. In a manner similar to that in Object Relations theory, the way you reacted to events at any stage in your life may have caused you to get “stuck.” You carry with you the aspects that got “stuck” - aspects that never had a chance to develop. You may function more or less successfully on the exterior, but internally you may be experiencing stressful emotions such as feeling vulnerable, depressed, angry or afraid. This theory teaches that by understanding where you got “stuck,” you may improve your ability to move more easily through your current relationship challenges.

Whether I am following Object Relations or Psychodynamic psychotherapy theory, I will be helping you get in touch with your memories, feelings and desires that are not readily available to your conscious mind. These theories are designed to help you understand how your unconscious feelings and thoughts affect the way you currently act and react, thing and feel.

Cognitive Behavioral psychotherapy is based on the theory that if you first change the way you think and act, a change in your emotion and feeling will follow. This theory teaches that by changing your thought patterns and your actions, you can improve the quality and satisfaction in your life. This manner of psychotherapy is more directive in providing assignments with specific objectives and will ask you to perform specific activities between each session. This theory does not depend upon exploring or understanding your past or current feelings.

Whichever method I am using at any time, it is my goal to provide you with a safe place to discover and incorporate your true self and to offer you a unique opportunity to re-experience your personal history in a new way and to make connections between past and current situations enabling you to make changes, making your life more effective and satisfying for you.