Psychologist in Portland, Oregon | 35+ Years of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples
Psychoanalysis is a depth-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and the underlying patterns that influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Many individuals find themselves repeating similar struggles in relationships or personal life without fully understanding why.
Rather than focusing only on present symptoms, psychoanalysis looks more deeply into past experiences, early relationships, and internal conflicts that continue to shape current life. Beginning with present-day experiences often provides a meaningful entry point into this deeper exploration.
Through this reflective process, individuals can develop greater self-understanding, emotional awareness, and more thoughtful ways of relating to themselves and others.
Psychoanalysis offers a thoughtful and in-depth approach to understanding the mind. Often, the challenges i face are shaped by unconscious patterns and experiences that are not immediately visible.
Through open and reflective dialogue, therapy creates a space to explore these inner experiences without judgment. As awareness develops, it becomes easier to recognize recurring patterns, understand emotional responses, and see connections between past and present.
This growing awareness allows for a more compassionate and informed understanding of oneself.
At times, individuals may feel pulled in different directions by conflicting thoughts, emotions, or desires. These inner tensions can lead to confusion, self-doubt, or a sense of being stuck.
Often, these conflicts are rooted in deeper, unconscious processes where past experiences, beliefs, and emotional needs may be in opposition. For example, a desire for closeness may coexist with a fear of vulnerability.
Psychoanalysis helps bring these internal dynamics into awareness. Through thoughtful exploration, individuals can begin to understand these conflicts more clearly and respond to them with greater insight and self-understanding.
Contemporary psychoanalysis expands on traditional approaches by incorporating relational and developmental perspectives. It considers not only internal conflicts, but also the ways in which relationships and life experiences shape emotional patterns.
This approach pays close attention to relational dynamics, both in daily life and within the therapeutic relationship. Patterns that develop over time are explored as they emerge, offering valuable opportunities for understanding and change.
Psychoanalysis is often a more intensive and longer-term process, sometimes involving more frequent sessions. However, its principles can also be integrated into shorter-term psychotherapy.
Individuals may choose this approach when they are seeking to understand the deeper roots of their concerns rather than focusing only on immediate solutions. While the process can take time, meaningful progress and insight often develop along the way.
The fee for psychotherapy is $200 for a 45-minute session. For billing insurance plans for which I am in network, the fee will be the contracted rate for your specific plan. I am happy to bill insurance directly, and I can also provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
The best way to schedule an appointment is to either call or email. If you choose to send a message through this site and I do not get back to you right away, please reach out through phone or email, as messages sometimes do not get through.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have in a phone call prior to an appointment being made.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed therapists to discuss your needs and how i can support you.