What is Depth Psychology?
Contemporary depth psychology is a branch of clinical psychology that focuses on the value of linking the conscious self with what is shut out of conscious awareness–the unconscious. Through this approach, also called “psychodynamic,” “depth-oriented,” or “psychoanalytic,” depth psychologists help uncover and transform longstanding patterns of distress.
Getting to the Root of
Psychological Trauma
Unresolved trauma often becomes buried in the unconscious, where it may continue to shape your life in ways you don’t recognize. These old patterns-often rooted in childhood or even ancestral wounds-can leave you feeling stuck, worried, disconnected, or distracted, affecting your ability to thrive at work or in your most important relationships. Depth psychology helps explore and resolve these deeper or primary wounds, freeing up energy for your present life.
How Depth Psychologists Help You
Uncover Unconscious Patterns
Depth-oriented therapy traces current symptoms-such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship distress-to unconscious patterns formed in earlier life experiences. By working through these root dynamics with a depth psychologist, symptoms can be relieved and understood with greater compassion. In time, this work may help you discover your hidden gold-a source of creative vitality that can renew your relationship to yourself and nurture more meaningful connections with others.
Tools Used by Depth Psychologists
(Dreams, Imagination, and the
Therapeutic Relationship)
Research (e.g. Shedler) suggests that psychodynamic therapy is effective, and that its benefits last and may even increase over time. Depth psychologists use several core methods:
- Dream Work: Dreams are seen as a window into the unconscious. A depth-oriented therapist may ask you to recount dreams in detail, and then work with you to explore the symbols, emotions, and narratives present within them. The therapist and client interpret these images to better understand hidden feelings, memories, or conflicts. Dream work can reveal unconscious desires, fears, and strengths, helping clients access deeper emotional resources, as well as novel forms of problem solving, and future possibilities.
- Exploring the Imagination: Imaginative exercises are used to access unconscious material through creative visualization, storytelling, or expressive arts. A depth psychologist might guide you to imagine into different parts of your psyche, such as the “inner critic” and the “inner child.” This practice can reveal unresolved emotional issues or hidden parts of the self that seek to be known and better understood.
- Collaborative Study of Patterns: Depth psychologists pay close attention to the therapeutic relationship. Sometimes we might talk about what’s going on in real time between us. This technique, often called working with “transference and countertransference,” offers a here-and-now opportunity to study the way old relationship patterns can surface in the present. It can be a good way to disentangle from the past and develop healthier ways of relating.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Unlike some forms of therapy that focus on symptom management alone, depth psychology seeks to address the root causes of psychological distress. This holistic approach allows for long-lasting change, as individuals gain a deeper understanding of the underlying issues that are contributing to their struggles.
Depth psychologists also support you in uncovering inner resources—such as creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence—that may have been overlooked or underused. This deeper exploration not only brings relief from symptoms, but also opens the door to greater fulfillment, richer relationships, and a life more aligned with your core values and sense of purpose.
The Healing Power of Integrating the
Conscious and Unconscious
A central aim of depth psychology is to bring the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self into greater dialogue and integration. This process often involves exploring material that has been hidden, avoided, or held outside of awareness—within the safety of a supportive therapeutic relationship. As these distant or disowned parts of the self are acknowledged and integrated, many people experience a deeper sense of wholeness, increased resilience, and greater clarity in facing life’s challenges—as well as a renewed capacity to envision and shape new paths forward.
Depth Psychologists Licensed in
California and New York
In addition to being licensed as a Clinical Psychologist, I’m Certified in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the Psychoanalytic Center of California. I helped to create and currently direct the Spiritual and Depth Psychology Specialization at Antioch University’s Master’s of Psychology Program, as well as teach at Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Doctorate in Depth Psychology Program.
If you’re seeking support from an experienced depth psychologist licensed in California or New York, I’m happy to help. Please send me a message and I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.