My approach to psychotherapy is integrative and draws predominantly from Psychodynamic, Control-Mastery and Relational theories. I have provided brief descriptions of these approaches below and links to more detailed explanations should you be interested.
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that aims to help individuals become more conscious of conflictual feelings that lie below the surface. The theory assumes everyone has an unconscious and in response to painful experiences or relationships, defenses are employed as a means to help tolerate potentially overwhelming feelings. According to this approach, such defenses can become less effective over time, causing people to have more difficulty moving forward in certain areas of their lives. A psychodynamic psychotherapist works collaboratively to help individuals tolerate and move through painful feelings with the aim of minimizing the need for the defenses and reducing overall tension. During this process people often gain greater insight as well as compassion for themselves.
http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/simplepsych/204.html
http://www.goodtherapy.org/Psychodynamic.html
The effectiveness of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-65-2-98.pdf
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy.aspx/
Control-Mastery Therapy
Control Mastery Therapy (CMT) informs much of my work with individuals. The theory assumes that people enter therapy with an unconscious plan to improve areas in their lives that have felt difficult or unyielding. Furthermore, people work hard in and out of therapy to overcome their problems. The theory is based on the idea that when children have experiences that are difficult or traumatic, they adapt by developing beliefs about themselves and others in order to make sense out of something that is confusing. These beliefs, however, are typically invalid and distorted and can lead to inhibitions and a great deal of unhappiness later in life. This perspective encourages client and therapist to work together to understand the person's healthy goals and what unconscious beliefs may be thwarting their success.
http://www.transformativerelationships.com/chapter_previews.php
http://www.goodtherapy.org/control-mastery-theory.html
Relational Therapy
Like CMT, Relational therapy emphasizes the importance of secure, satisfying and mutual relationships. Emotional or psychological distress is understood to stem from maladaptive patterns in relationships. The relational therapist will focus on relationships in the client's life (past and present) as well as between therapist and client in an effort to establish and nurture a secure relationship, while remaining focused on developing the skills necessary to creative mutual, productive and healthy connections with others.
http://www.goodtherapy.org/relational-psychotherapy.html