Psychodynamic Informed CBT

Online Therapy in Silver Spring and Throughout Maryland & Virginia

Reflect deeply to understand fully.

Post with directional signs. Sunset sky in the background.

You’re aware of what’s wrong. Maybe you have ideas of why you’re struggling, but now you’re wondering what’s next.

Is this approach right for you?

  • Are you interested in looking inward and reflecting deeply?

  • Do you believe that your past can impact your present and future?

  • Can you commit to doing the hard work now to develop the skills and tools that you can use for the rest of your life?

If you said yes to the questions above, then psychodynamic informed CBT would be a good fit for you.

What is psychodynamic informed CBT?

I like to call this approach psychodynamic informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because I consider information about your past to understand your present circumstances and help you change your future.

Combining two different approaches to give you a well rounded solution.

Psychodynamic Therapy VS Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Your past is incredibly important and is the reason why we are the way we are.

  • Focuses on deeply exploring our childhood and past experiences.

  • After healing from the past, the result is that it will help us feel better currently and in the future.

  • Focuses on what is happening for us right now.

  • Explores how our thoughts impact our feelings and behaviors.

  • Working to change the way we view challenges in life currently will help us feel better now and in the future. 

These approaches are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

I believe that we need to deeply explore and understand our past experiences because they shape who we are and our worldviews and understand how these beliefs and values impact us currently to have a full context to our lives and struggles. AND, incorporate CBT techniques to challenge and reframe negative thoughts for a healthier mindset.

What to Expect:

  • We will spend a significant amount of time learning about your culture, upbringing, and other identities, to understand and how they contribute to who you are, how you view the world and your concerns, as well as how you cope.

    This understanding will help us determine why you might feel and think the way that you do. It can also provide information about where your problems stemmed from.

  • Next, we will identify common unhealthy thought patterns that keep you stuck. 

    Once we notice how often these patterns occur and when they present themselves, we can create coping skills that are specific to you.

  • Finally, you will learn how to challenge and reframe your negative thoughts for a more positive or neutral mindset.

    Practice throughout this process is important to building these skills. It will be reinforced in sessions together and outside of sessions through homework to keep you accountable.

Psychodynamic Informed CBT can help you…

  • Explore and understand “why” you think and feel the way you do.

  • Manage stress, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts more effectively.

  • Develop tools that you can use throughout your life.

  • Create ways of coping that are specific to your needs. No more generic coping skills.

  • Change your mindset and your outlook on yourself and life.

You deserve to understand “why you are the way you are” and choose a new path for yourself.