Ariel Lachman

As previously mentioned I integrate CBT, existential-humanistic, and psychodynamic frameworks. In practice, with these frameworks in mind, I approach every individual in treatment from the perspective that everyone experiences difficulties in their lives and through guidance and perseverance are capable of developing, growing, and flourishing as human beings. This might mean recognizing and identifying ways in how your "negative" thinking is making you depressed and leading you to isolate from other people. In turn, that isolation may be making you feel more depressed and think even more negative thoughts about yourself. Generally these thoughts and behaviors are "conscious" or within our awareness. Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the role of the unconscious (below our awareness) on our feelings and behaviors. Psychodynamic theories vary widely and go back all the way to Freud, but have developed and changed dramatically since then. Contemporary psychodynamic therapy, in my particular approach, examines how our relationships past and present can provide information about how we feel and interact in the world below our "conscious" awareness. I emphasize the importance of early relationships (e.g., parents, caregivers, and siblings) on our development into adulthood and how we relate to people in our lives now. This approach also means we may talk about how you are feeling and what you are thinking about in the room as we talk. The goal is to illuminate relationship patterns and behaviors that may be causing dysfunction in your life. We then aim to learn new ways to relate to yourself and to others so that it can be more rewarding.