Relationships
We are inherently social beings and therefore thrive when the quality of our relationships brings us satisfaction, security, and a sense of belonging. In my experience as a therapist, many people seek therapy to explore and address challenges in their closest relationships, often with their parents, romantic partners, or friends.
Difficulties in early relationships can shape relational patterns that linger. For instance, someone raised by overly strict parents may seek freedom by engaging with people who are very liberal and unbound, or vice versa. Someone who feels they experienced harshness in early relationships may seek to be very kind in all their interactions. If we continue to live our lives in a manner that reacts to past wounds, those experiences will continue to exert their influence on us.
Psychodynamic therapy offers the opportunity to understand how past relationships have shaped who you are today. Ideally, this includes integrating the emotions that are involved with relationship experiences and creating the space to move toward greater emotional freedom.
In the previous example, it may seem better to be kind rather than harsh, but living at either extreme limits emotional freedom and can lead to resentment when kindness is not returned.
Through psychodynamic therapy, people can develop a newfound confidence in themselves. As they begin to trust and value who they are, this naturally flows into their relationships, where they become more able to assert themselves. Individuals become more comfortable asserting their needs, less likely to simply go along with others, and more able to compromise without feeling threatened.
It is natural to cling to someone or something when afraid; however, this can create relationships that falter when others view us as uncompromising, judgmental, or needy. True independence includes understanding how to rely on others. As human beings, we are all dependent and the challenge is gaining the ability to engage intimately with others while maintaining a sense of self.
In my practice, I strive to create a space where patients feel free to express the full range of their experiences. This freedom allows them to discover that they do not need to walk on eggshells, suppress their true ideals, or constantly monitor their words to feel accepted.
Difficulties in early relationships can shape relational patterns that linger. For instance, someone raised by overly strict parents may seek freedom by engaging with people who are very liberal and unbound, or vice versa. Someone who feels they experienced harshness in early relationships may seek to be very kind in all their interactions. If we continue to live our lives in a manner that reacts to past wounds, those experiences will continue to exert their influence on us.
Psychodynamic therapy offers the opportunity to understand how past relationships have shaped who you are today. Ideally, this includes integrating the emotions that are involved with relationship experiences and creating the space to move toward greater emotional freedom.
In the previous example, it may seem better to be kind rather than harsh, but living at either extreme limits emotional freedom and can lead to resentment when kindness is not returned.
Through psychodynamic therapy, people can develop a newfound confidence in themselves. As they begin to trust and value who they are, this naturally flows into their relationships, where they become more able to assert themselves. Individuals become more comfortable asserting their needs, less likely to simply go along with others, and more able to compromise without feeling threatened.
It is natural to cling to someone or something when afraid; however, this can create relationships that falter when others view us as uncompromising, judgmental, or needy. True independence includes understanding how to rely on others. As human beings, we are all dependent and the challenge is gaining the ability to engage intimately with others while maintaining a sense of self.
In my practice, I strive to create a space where patients feel free to express the full range of their experiences. This freedom allows them to discover that they do not need to walk on eggshells, suppress their true ideals, or constantly monitor their words to feel accepted.