Psychodynam​ic psychotherapy focuses primarily on the relationship patterns between the therapist and the client. I draw heavily from an object-relations orientation. This type of approach focuses on early childhood caregiver relationships and how those experiences may be playing out in the dynamic between me and the client. The goal of this work is to gently bring to the surface uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that a client may not be aware of but are showing up in different areas of his/her life, indicating an unmet need or painful feeling. When difficult feelings or needs are acknowledged without judgment and worked through in therapy, clients often experience deep internal change and notice themselves responding differently in many areas of their lives. The point is to recognize and address issues that are impacting a client's current life, not to focus unnecessarily on the past.  I also will encourage the use of self-care strategies, help clients to identify and change unhealthy thought-patterns and help clients build upon their inner strengths and resources.