My Approach

I use psychodynamic theory as the basis for my work, as I find that this theory offers a rich understanding of the human condition that does justice to the complexity of psychic suffering. Over years of training, personal therapy and supervision, the following schools of thought within psychodynamic therapy have had the most influence on my work:

  • Mentalization based therapy

  • Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

  • C.G. Jung’s depth psychology

  • Dance Movement Therapy

  • Artistic Inquiry

Psychodynamics: Inner conflict, feelings and defenses

Psychodynamic theory suggests that our emotional difficulties arise from unconscious inner conflicts, often rooted in early relationships. The way we relate to ourselves and others today is deeply shaped by these formative experiences. Many of us have learned early in life that certain feelings were too dangerous or overwhelming to express in our attachment relationships. While these defenses may have helped us cope in the past and maintain an insecure attachment with our significant others, they can now manifest as symptoms and interpersonal difficulties that prevent us from fully connecting with ourselves and others.

Therapy generally involves a process of becoming aware of the ways in which we disown our genuine feelings and hurt ourselves (and potentially others). In this sense, each moment in psychotherapy ought to be an invitation to facing reality and oneself. This is not just an intellectual process but also a deeply relational, emotional, and bodily one—integrating different layers of experience and insight.

The body in psychotherapy

One thing that informs my work is the understanding that we are not floating minds—we are bodies, and our body is the primary way we relate to the world and others. How we use our body directly influences how we feel and how we present ourselves in the world, and vice versa. Nearly all psychological difficulties manifest in our bodies—whether it’s the way depression physically weighs us down or how anxiety prevents us from experiencing a calm presence within ourselves. In some cases, the body becomes the focal point of suffering, as seen in eating disorders, self-harm, or psychosomatic disorders. I believe that establishing a new, healthier relationship with one’s body is essential for healing from these challenges. If you feel disconnected from your body and recognize this as a key struggle, consider Dance Movement Therapy as a treatment option to confront your difficulties head-on.

Artistic inquiry

Psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. While dynamic conversation may be the preferred method for many adults, some adults and adolescents may benefit from incorporating other forms of communication and expression into their therapeutic process—such as drawing, creative writing, or musical expression. These alternative modalities engage the unconscious, activate different brain processes, and help us connect with our inner life force, facilitating emotional growth and learning. For a vivid example of how I integrate body movement, drawing, and writing into psychotherapy with an adolescent, check out my paper Welcome to My Kingdom.

The process

No matter the format we choose to work in, my priority is to create a safe space between us. As your therapist, I am not here to judge, give advice, console, or passively listen and agree with everything you say. My role is to help you take an honest look at your life and relationships and identify where you may feel stuck, in a respectful and empathetic way.

During our sessions, I strive to be fully present and engaged, and I invite you to do the same so we can make the most of our time together. I welcome your feedback throughout the process, as anything that stands in the way of a meaningful, honest connection between us is itself a crucial aspect of psychotherapy to explore. In fact, this is often where the heart of psychotherapy takes place.