Depth Psychotherapy

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Carl Jung was the first to propose the existence of the collective unconscious, the ancestral memory and experience of humanity that transcends time and culture. 

Depth psychology refers to a range of approaches that are focused on exploring and understanding the dynamic between the conscious -  thoughts, memories, feelings, and wishes of which we are aware at any given moment - and the unconscious - the reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that are outside of our conscious awareness. 

While other psychological theories, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, primarily consider the conscious mind or behavioral actions, a depth approach to therapy recognizes that change and healing require a deeper level of processing and introspection.  This approach seeks to explore the thoughts, feelings, and motivations that lie at each level as a way to connect with the roots of our human experiences - loss, depression, transition, relationships, etc.

"Symptoms" (sadness, anxiety, stress, somatic complaints, relationship struggles, etc.) are reframed compassionately as important survival strategies, and curiously explored for the creative potential they hold.

Depth psychology emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the client and therapist. It is a vessel/container in which psychological growth happens, that we shape together. Your intention to courageously show up for yourself combined with my guidance and presence creates a holding environment  to unfurl your roots down in the depths of the unconscious and bring up new life for growth. 

 Depth therapists love to work with symbolic and metaphorical material including dreams, stories, myths, art, dance, or any form of embodied expression, as this material holds powerful information about what is happening in the unconscious world.

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Depth therapy in action may take the following forms: 

- Distilling major themes, symbols and archetypes in your life and working with these through art and journaling

- Identifying recurring patterns in your life (ie. feelings, beliefs, types of people, relationships, choices, etc.) and exploration of their origin, purpose, and potential for transformation

- Exploration of family of origin and ancestral work

- Mindfulness based practices aimed to strengthen awareness of bodily sensations, memories, and automatic thoughts 

- Parts work and strengthening the Self 

- Dream work and visualization

- Incorporation of tarot, astrology, and/or your unique spiritual practices as requested