Psychotherapy is an important part of my psychiatric practice, particularly in my work with adults. For some patients, psychotherapy is the primary form of treatment. For others, it is provided alongside medication management. The decision depends on the individual, the nature of their difficulties, and what we hope to accomplish together.
A Psychodynamic Approach
My approach to psychotherapy is primarily psychodynamic, informed by the work of Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, and the broader psychoanalytic tradition.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy begins with the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, relationships, and behavior are not always entirely transparent to us. Experiences from the past, patterns of relating to others, and conflicts that may lie outside conscious awareness can influence how we experience ourselves and the world.
In psychotherapy, we have an opportunity to explore these patterns, understand how they developed, and consider the ways in which they continue to shape our lives.
This work is not simply about examining the past. It is also about understanding the present: our relationships, the choices we make, the difficulties we repeatedly encounter, and the ways in which we understand ourselves.
An Individual Approach
Although my orientation is fundamentally psychodynamic, I do not believe that every patient benefits from precisely the same approach.
At times, psychotherapy may be exploratory and focused on deeper psychological understanding. At other times, a more supportive or practical approach may be helpful, particularly when someone is facing an immediate crisis, a difficult transition, or a period of significant emotional distress.
The therapeutic relationship itself is central to this work. I place considerable importance on listening carefully, allowing room for uncertainty, and developing an understanding of each patient's particular experience.
Psychotherapy and Medication
Psychotherapy and medication management can be provided together, but they need not be.
Some patients seek psychotherapy without any interest in medication. Others may benefit from combining the two approaches, particularly when psychiatric symptoms interfere with their ability to function or engage in treatment.
My role is to help determine what is appropriate for each individual, without assuming in advance that medication is necessary or that psychotherapy alone will always be sufficient.