Personal Statement

The field of psychiatry has made dramatic advancements in recent decades in the neurochemical and biological basis of mood and behavior in the brain. Unfortunately, for many people who experience depression and anxiety, these advances seem distant from and do not speak to their suffering.  Visits to a psychiatrist, so often limited to a discussion of symptoms and medication side effects, can leave patients feeling poorly understood or unheard. While medications can help improve some symptoms, they do not satisfy the patient’s desire for insight, authenticity and agency in their lives.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy, however, is a treatment that can help the patient to discover the origin and role of the underlying motives, wishes and behavior patterns that are preventing change and growth. In this kind of therapy, much is learned from the therapeutic encounter itself and the interaction between patient and therapist can illuminate self-defeating patterns in the patient’s current relationships and life decisions. The patient’s resistance to change, which so often undermines all striving for mental health, is also directly addressed and confronted in this kind of psychotherapy. Thus, the patient can be freed to know themselves, connect with others and make decisions in a more genuine, intentional and meaningful way.

In my own personal experience in treatment, I have found this kind of therapy deeply fulfilling. However, I have also found it challenging to explore my inner world with a therapist who was unprepared to understand and consider it in the context of my religious faith.  Coming to terms with the role of religion in one’s life is valued by many and the relationship between religious faith and mental health is complex. Whether religious faith is currently a source of comfort, confusion or pain in our life, its consideration can be integral to further progress toward mental health. As a practicing Catholic Christian, I value the importance of a psychotherapy that welcomes the exploration of the role of one’s religious faith in their mental health. 

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In my practice, I aim to provide all patients with a trusting and understanding space in which to explore the underlying motives, wishes and behavior patterns contributing to depression and anxiety in weekly psychotherapy sessions. The role of psychopharmacology will be considered as well, and the judicious use of medications when deemed appropriate can be considered. When desired and appropriate, exploration of the role of one’s religious faith can be integrated into the psychotherapy. In this way, appropriate attention can be given to brain chemistry, the unconscious and maladaptive motivations and behavior patterns undermining one’s life, and the role of one’s religious faith. In other words, the entire person will be the focus of treatment.