Contemporary Psychoanalysis
Contemporary Psychoanalysis offers the most profound opportunity for enduring relief of the incapacitating symptoms that have impaired the quality of your life, as well as for extensive personal development. Effectivity research comparing symptom oriented and short-term models (i.e. CBT, DBT etc.) to psychoanalytic models show that psychoanalytic methods are at least as effective and often superior. The upshot is this, therapies that utilize psychoanalytic models and methods show a longer lasting, more thorough effects with less relapse. See Monitor on Psychology December 2017 p. 41 – 47. For a more thorough review of the effectivity topic see Jonathanshedler.com.
Basically, Psychoanalytic treatment sees symptoms as rooted in the patterned ways we engage each other and the resulting sense of self with others that develops from these patterns. These patterns are encoded in the brain, as the brain attempts to help us adapt to the particular relational, social, emotional environment that we find ourselves in. Symptoms are not to be eradicated but understood as signposts to the deeper issues. When the deeper issues are resolved the symptoms subside. Among the results of treatment are: the capacity to maintain a stable, realistically-based sense of self and self-esteem; to improve the ability to regulate affect, to tolerate a wider range of emotions; to develop more emotional resilience, which means the ability to have emotions, to think about them and not to over or under react. Other results include, having more fulfilling relationships, including having more satisfying sexual experiences; and generally, to understand yourself and others in more emotionally complex and mature ways. Taken together, these capacities enable you to become more comfortable with yourself, and better prepared to face life’s ongoing challenges with greater freedom and flexibility.
Contemporary Psychoanalytic models of therapy rely heavily on understanding the interaction between client and therapist, how the reality is co-constructed between the client and the therapist. Therefore, consultations explore not only the clients presenting issues, along with an exploration of their history and dynamics, but of the therapist history and dynamics as well. The contemporary models include, Object Relations Theory, Attachment Theory, Self Psychology, Relational Theory and Intersubjective Systems theory.
Contemporary Psychoanalysis is an umbrella term for a number of related theories that are stitched together much like a patchwork quilt. There are areas of shared convergence and areas of disagreement. Human being fundamentally seek relationships. This is the theme that ties all the theories together. These theories share a common sense of the importance of human relationships in shaping and forming the human self. These theories go by the names, Object Relations, which began in London during and after the war. Attachment Theory was developed in London at this same time. Self Psychology which was developed in America in the 70’s. Relational Theory was an early American development in 50’s, and refined in the 80’s. Intersubjective Systems Theory was also developed in American in the 80’s and later. Together these theories comprise the Contemporary psychoanalytic models.
Consultations are offered Individually or group. “Skype” or in person. Email for info, times etc.