Psychotherapy Approaches

Psychotherapy goes by many names. It can be called therapy, counseling, insight-oriented therapy, and even talk therapy. Psychotherapy has been heavily researched. It is an effective treatment to reduce emotional and physical symptoms and also improve a person’s quality of life with long-lasting results. My main approach to psychotherapy is psychoanalytic psychotherapy, but I also use other techniques at times along with that approach. At times, using psychoanalytic approaches and cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) together can provide needed relief.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy

The psychoanalytic approach to psychotherapy centers on finding and exploring the roots of the difficulties or challenges you’re having. Sometimes there are emotions you’re feeling that you’re only sort of aware of or that you don’t want to think about. There may also be earlier experiences that affected you in ways you may not have realized. Over time, patterns may emerge that we can identify and then work to understand how they have affected and continue to affect you. Addressing these core issues can reduce guilt, shame, and negative self-talk. It also creates the mental space to think about these difficulties and to change your behaviors and the choices you make..

The long-term goal of this approach is to help each individual fully express their talents and abilities, connect more fully with those in their lives, and empower them with the skills to be resilient, positive and hopeful for whatever life has to offer.

While this approach can take different lengths of time for different people to feel they’ve “resolved” certain difficulties, many people begin to experience some relief and reduction of symptoms very soon after beginning.

Research on psychoanalytic therapy reports that it has a greater positive impact than medication alone, and that combining therapy and medication can be productive, as well.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

I also use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which involve helping you learn and use concrete coping strategies and other tools that will help you in your specific situation. CBT is often a short-term technique designed to change your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes, which can affect your emotional functioning. For example, they work remarkably well as part of helping resolve panic attacks, trouble sleeping, anxiety, phobias and many other diagnoses.

The technique is goal-oriented and prescriptive, and it is designed specifically for symptom relief. A number of research studies shows that these techniques are effective. CBT strategies require some practice to help them become new, healthy habits.

Get in touch

If you’re looking for an experienced, empathic professional, contact me at 512-627-3583 to set an appointment. Read more about our frequently asked questions and what to expect at the first appointment. I also offer a complementary, 15 minute “get to know you” session via phone or videoconference (telehealth).