dynamic
psychotherapy
associates, llc

Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. In its brief form, a psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in the need and desire to abuse substances.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, cope healthily with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others.

I have worked in the community throughout my career. Aside from the normal difficulties of life, LGBTQ people suffer the effects of cruelty across the lifespan. From feeling different as a child, being bullied by peers (and sometimes parents) to not knowing who you really are, the effects of trauma are ever-present in our community. In particular, I have worked with Trans people to help develop their positive identity to HRT and to completing SRS. Meet with me and we’ll see if we can connect in a therapeutic relationship which will help you.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented psychotherapy directed toward solving current problems and teaching skills to clients to modify dysfunctional thinking and behavior.

Schema focused therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential therapy and interpersonal therapy. Schema therapy creator Dr. Jeff Young defined the term schema as a “life trap” or a pattern of negative behaviors that an individual repeats over and over again throughout their adult life. As Young saw it, individuals that benefited the most from schema focused therapy were those that displayed self-defeating thought patterns and behaviors and didn’t respond well to traditional forms of psychotherapy.

People who struggle with psychiatric and other co-occurring disorders often exhibit various types of negative thinking patterns or schemas. This form of destructive thinking is developed during a client’s adolescent years via their life experiences, particularly with family members. Typical statements that you’ll hear from someone that have harmful and negative thinking patterns include “I’m worthless”, “I’m not good enough” or “No one loves me”.

In order to effectively address and improve a client’s thinking patterns three stages must first take place between the client and therapist.

1. The therapist identifies the client’s schemas or life traps through conversation or even questionnaires.

2. The therapist helps the client become more aware of their schemas and learn how to recognize them in their everyday lives.

3. The client becomes more involved in improving their thinking patterns outside of treatment and replaces them with more positive thoughts for more positive outcomes.