Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Manhattan, NY
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy begins with the understanding that a great deal of the minds activity occurs unconsciously. We form beliefs and judgments in our minds without ever being conscious of having done so, and these thoughts influence our emotional lives and behavior. This is, for example, why people often forget to do things that they really don't want to do anyway and far more often remember things that they are excited about.
The way these unconscious thoughts interact with one another can create distressing feelings that interfere with one's quality of life. They can emerge as a constant, ambient anxiety; an acute dread; a fear of letting others too close; impulsive behavior; a lingering depression. Sometimes these thoughts conceal a trauma that feels too painful to acknowledge, or a deep regret that has been pushed away rather than dealt with. Left unconscious, it will continue to affect you - attracting you to some situations and away from others - and you will not know why.
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"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it Fate."
That phrase is commonly attributed to Karl Jung and, whether or not he actually said it, it is exactly right. Consider: has anyone ever taught you how far to stand from another person in a line? Probably not. But you and everyone else in your culture probably stands roughly the same distance as each other. So how did that happen? You didn't come to that decision on your own, it wasn't the result of conscious deliberation... you have just always stood that far away.
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Systems of meaning are often communicated non-verbally and unconsciously. When someone stands too close it feels like they are violating your personal space and this relies on an unconscious appreciation of things like bodily autonomy, intimacy, and consent, which are rarely consciously considered in relation to queuing up. Importantly for this example, these can be influenced by trauma and are shaped by your particular family history.
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Psychodynamic psychotherapists are trained to observe the unconscious meaning concealed within a person's communication. Perceiving patterns of speech and silence, subtly desires, repetitions, and the like, psychodynamic psychotherapists can help make patients aware of the deep reasons causing their pain and help to resolve those feelings. By making unconscious beliefs, desires, values, etc., conscious, patients are capable of grappling with what is truly distressing them so that they can begin to heal. ​​​​​​​
You aren't "fated" to anything and you don't have to feel this way.
Is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy right for me?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a very effective, evidence-based treatment, for a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD (here). Some studies indicate that it has longer-term effects than other therapies, as well. Although it is a broadly effective treatment, some reasons people seek psychodynamic treatment in Manhattan are:
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To get to the source of their unhappiness and change it
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To understand themselves better
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To have more fulfilling relationships
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To learn what motivates them and what is holding them back
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at Lexington Park Psychotherapy
There are multiple models of psychodynamic psychotherapy, each emphasizing a subtly different aspect of the unconscious. At Lexington Park Psychotherapy, we practice integratively. That means that we do not identify with any one treatment model but, rather, use the techniques and treatments that are appropriate for each particular person at each moment. We believe that it is more important to use the treatment that works for the patient than the one that works for the therapist, and so instead of identifying as a psychodynamic therapist or CBT therapist, we identify as integrationists: combining, and utilizing, whatever evidence-based models work, in the service of your recovery.
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So, if you are ready to get started feeling like yourself again, reach out.