Does Dr. Smith do therapy?

Dr. Smith practices psychodynamic therapy, a modern form of the classic psychoanalysis invented by Sigmund Freud. In this updated version, the patient faces the psychiatrist, rather than lying on the couch. The psychiatrist has a conversation with the patient, rather than remaining mostly silent. Psychodynamic therapy has an extensive base of evidence proving its short-term and long-term effectiveness. Notably, it is the therapy of choice for complex, interwoven, and treatment-resistant mental health issues.

What happens in psychodynamic therapy?

One premise of psychodynamic therapy is that whatever is on your mind is the most important topic of the day. As the discussion progresses, Dr. Smith may respond with a range of interventions, depending on the situation: support, advice, education, validation, reflection, clarification, confrontation, observation, or interpretation. The back-and-forth forms the core of the work of psychodynamic therapy.

What does Dr. Smith analyze in therapy?

Certain questions are central in psychodynamic therapy:

• What happened in your past?

• What unconscious needs drive your behavior?

• What are your wishes, dreams, and fantasies?

• How do you express emotion?

• What do you repeat in life?

• What do you avoid in life?

• How are your relationships?

• How is our relationship?

• How do I make you feel?

• How do you make me feel?

What are the goals of psychodynamic therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy investigates how the intricacies of your subjective mind influence your perceptions and reactions to your internal and external worlds. By doing so, it aims to foster a greater sense of personal truth, authenticity, and uniqueness. Like all therapy, psychodynamic therapy foremost aims to relieve suffering.

How do I talk to Dr. Smith about this?

Contact Dr. Smith to talk more about psychodynamic therapy.