Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

Ready to get curious about why you are the way you are?

Let’s uncover your ‘whys’ through psychotherapy and psychoanalysis so you can become the best version of yourself.

When surface-level understanding just isn’t enough

Despite how great things might look from the outside, do you find yourself pondering, “Is this all there is?” You’re not alone. While a lot of people I work with have a specific issue they need to work through, like anxiety, life transitions, or bereavement, many of my clients are yearning for deeper meaning and fulfillment. So let’s honor that whisper inside you, the voice that’s looking for more. Together, we’ll explore your inner world, uncovering life-changing insights that help you find more clarity, contentment, and meaning.

Unravel the layers within through psychotherapy & psychoanalysis

Imagine waking each day feeling genuinely aligned with your inner self and the world around you. Psychotherapy or psychoanalysis with me, Dana, is about exploring all that makes you ‘you’, so you can move beyond just coping and start truly thriving. By understanding your deeper self, you can finally see what’s causing you issues, let go of anything that no longer serves you, and start shaping the life you truly want.

How I can help:

Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis

Together, we’ll work through your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, tapping into my favorite notion: that “necessity is the mother of invention”. If you’re feeling like what you’re doing isn’t working anymore, that’s a powerful realization. It’s the first step toward the change we can create together, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it might look on the outside.

Psychotherapy

Imagine a space where you’re free to explore every aspect of your life — your emotions, relationships, and the patterns you find yourself repeating. That’s what we create together in our psychotherapy sessions. It’s normal to question the significance of your struggles, especially if they don’t seem very ‘big’ in the grand scheme of things. But here, your experiences and feelings are given the weight they deserve, allowing us to explore them deeply and without judgment.

Our conversations act as gateways to understanding and change. We’ll tap into your present, examining the nuances of your daily life and interactions, all while keeping an eye on the horizon — where you want to go and who you want to become. Together, we’ll unearth and refine coping strategies that feel good to you, making sure they’re effective and sustainable for your unique journey.

Our work is a journey of self-discovery, aiming to arm you with insight and resilience. You’ll emerge more in tune with yourself, equipped with a solid set of tools to face life’s challenges and understand the complexities of your inner world. Together, we’ll start building a life where you feel empowered, understood, and genuinely at peace with your inner self.

Psychoanalysis

Have you ever felt like there’s a deeper story within you, waiting to be told? That’s where psychoanalysis really helps. It’s not just about tackling the issues you’re facing right now; it’s about going much deeper to explore the ‘whys’ that shape your thoughts and actions. This journey is all about discovery and understanding, peeling back the layers of your life to reveal how you became the person you are today.

Think of psychoanalysis as a deep conversation with your past, one that helps you make sense of your present and lights the way for your future. We’ll connect the dots between past events and current feelings, helping you understand the origins of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Psychoanalysis builds a foundation of self-awareness that allows you to face the world with confidence and grace, secure in the knowledge of who you are and why you feel the way you do. It’s a journey to the heart of your being, empowering you to make changes that align with your true self.

Feeling ready to understand yourself better?

Let’s get curious about what got you here, and where you want to go.

Your path to self-discovery

Think of our time together as a shared adventure into the heart of who you are. Here’s what our path of exploration in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis will look like:

Establishing Trust

Right off the bat, we’re going to focus on getting comfortable with each other. These early chats are all about creating a space where you feel safe and free to open up. It’s crucial for both of us to feel that trust and honesty are at the core of our sessions, paving the way for the real work we’ll do together.

Uncovering Truths

As we get to know each other, we’ll start diving into the nitty-gritty of your life — your thoughts, your feelings, and the experiences that have shaped you. It’s kind of like detective work, where we piece together clues from your life to get a clearer picture of you. We’re in this together, unpacking whatever comes up.

Applying Insights

Once we start connecting the dots, you’ll begin to see things in a new light. We’ll take those insights and start applying them to your daily life, experimenting with new ways of thinking and being. It’s all about taking those ‘aha’ moments and turning them into real action that can lead to growth and transformation in your life.

FAQs

Learn more about psychotherapy & psychoanalysis

Therapy can stir up a mix of emotions and, naturally, quite a few questions. If you don’t find the answers you’re seeking in the FAQs below, don’t hesitate to reach out.

How do psychotherapy and psychoanalysis differ in your practice, Dana?

The difference between psychotherapy and psychoanalysis is that psychotherapy tries to solve a problem. Psychoanalysis is really about doing the work to be the best person you can be, the most complete person. So sometimes people will come to me for psychotherapy, and then it can become psychoanalysis as their goals change. While both aim to enhance your understanding and well-being, psychotherapy focuses on your present-day concerns, and psychoanalysis reaches far deeper into your past. I view psychotherapy as a conversation with purpose, while psychoanalysis is more like a deep dive into your life story.

Are psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in-person or online?

I offer telehealth psychotherapy and psychoanalysis sessions to clients in Michigan and Colorado. I currently have a therapy space available for in-person psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in Birmingham, Michigan. Generally, for clients in Michigan, we’ll use a hybrid model where we see each other face to face for an in-person session every week, but do the rest of our therapy sessions online.

I’m afraid to reach out, what should I do?

Taking the first step can be super nerve-wracking, but remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s the beginning of a conversation, a chance to explore and address what’s holding you back, in a supportive and understanding environment. It takes courage, but trust me, it’s worth it.

How will I know which type of therapy is right for me?

It’s all about where you are and what you’re feeling. If you’re dealing with surface-level distress or recent issues, psychotherapy can offer immediate insights and strategies. If you’re curious about deeper patterns or longstanding problems, psychoanalysis might be more fitting. We can always start with one and transition to the other as your needs or curiosity evolve.

What is the expected time commitment for therapy?

Commitment varies by the type and depth of therapy. Psychotherapy often involves weekly sessions, while psychoanalysis might require more frequent engagement. The key is what you’re comfortable with and what aligns with your goals for therapy.

What happens in our first meeting?

Our initial session is about building a connection. You’ll share, I’ll listen, and together we’ll start to sketch out your therapeutic journey. It’s a safe space to start figuring out the ‘why’ behind your feelings and to set the stage for our work together.

Can therapy really change how I feel?

Absolutely! Whether it’s gaining new perspectives, developing healthier coping mechanisms, or uncovering deep-seated patterns, therapy is a powerful tool for change. It’s not always easy, but the growth and insights you can gain are often life-changing.

What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?

It’s completely natural to feel nervous. Remember, this is a space of empathy and non-judgment. Our goal is to make you feel supported and understood, easing into the process at your own pace.

How do you handle confidentiality in our sessions?

Confidentiality is extremely important to me. Everything discussed in our sessions stays between us, providing a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings openly.

What can I do if I'm not sure about what I need from therapy?

It’s okay not to have all the answers. Part of our work together is to clarify your needs and goals, adapting our approach as we uncover more about your journey.

What if I feel I'm not making progress?

Therapy is a process, sometimes with subtle shifts. If you’re concerned about progress, we’ll reassess our approach, making sure it aligns with your growth and satisfaction.