Exploring The Unconscious To Live More Consciously

Psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy offers important insight into what you can’t always know.

Current science estimates that about 95 percent of our brain activity is unconscious, meaning that most of our behaviors, decisions, actions, conflicts, and emotions are beyond conscious awareness. The unconscious is responsible for much of our misery, unhappiness, anxiety, and depression. It is possible to have greater access to the unconscious in the service of leading a more conscious life. I offer a psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy approach to help clients understand themselves and their relationships, as well as the unconscious internal conflicts that impede them from achieving their goals and having a more satisfying life. Through this lens, we can identify and uncover the unconscious conflicts that drive us to repeat and engage in behaviors and dynamics that are an unconscious attempt to master the past but often lead to self-destructive and self-defeating behaviors. By paying close attention to and working through unconscious material, clients gain insight into current difficulties and patterns, which frees them to make important changes in their lives. This leads to lasting changes in rigid defense mechanisms, symptom reduction, and increased self-esteem and mastery. These life-enhancing changes gained in psychodynamic psychotherapy keep the conscious you in the driver’s seat more often.

“The more intensively the family has stamped its character upon the child, the more it will tend to feel and see its earlier miniature world again in the bigger world of adult life. Naturally, this is not a conscious, intellectual process.” —Carl Jung

This is not a short-term therapy solution, but rather an unfolding of experiences revealed in the context of the relationship between psychotherapist and patient. Because psychoanalytic psychotherapy also emphasizes how past experiences shape our present experience, the therapeutic process involves the exploration of transference (feelings that the patient has toward another person which they unconsciously redirect toward the therapist) to explore unresolved issues. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is typically used in higher-functioning patients (e.g. patients not actively suicidal, without serious substance abuse problems, and without acute instability in their lives).

More Information About Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is rooted in traditional Freudian analysis and was developed as a less time-intensive, modernized version of psychoanalysis. Similar to psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy aims to help people gain self-awareness and insight into their lives and difficulties. Research has supported the use of psychodynamic psychotherapy for the treatment of major depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. In session, the therapist seeks to learn about your inner life, both conscious and unconscious, paying attention to patterns that interfere with your functioning and well-being. Attention to early childhood experiences, emotions, fears, dreams, and fantasies are all important aspects of treatment. Psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to identify and heal the root cause of distress by exploring repressed or unconscious needs, urges, and desires.

What Can You Expect In Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Sessions?

Unlike psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy does not utilize the typical analyst couch, the therapist and patient are seated and face one another. You are encouraged to speak freely sharing whatever comes to mind as the therapist listens. A psychodynamic therapist works with you to recognize the unconscious behavioral patterns, destructive patterns, and rigid beliefs that may be inhibiting your growth and potential. Much of these patterns originate in childhood which is often the focus of sessions. A psychoanalytic psychotherapist uses his/her analytic skills to understand how early experiences, developmental trauma(s), conflicts, and behavior patterns might get in the way of your current life satisfaction.

What Are Some Techniques Used In Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Free Association

During free association, the therapist encourages the patient to speak freely about whatever may come to mind. The therapist remains supportive and curious, creating a safe environment for the patient to speak freely and openly about whatever comes to mind. Conflicts and areas ripe for exploration emerge during sessions as the patient moves from one topic to the next. The therapist can uncover unconscious feelings and beliefs that free the patient to complete psychological growth.

Defense Mechanisms

There are many defense mechanisms, and some are considered more high-level, or healthier, than others. Psychodynamic psychotherapy seeks to make conscious, and thereby lessen the use of less adaptive defenses while bolstering higher-level that are supportive. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used to protect an individual from unacceptable thoughts and feelings that have led to psychological distress and symptoms. Defense mechanisms are viewed as adaptive and normal, but when used rigidly, or frequently, can result in unhealthy life choices. One example of a common defense mechanism is projection. This occurs when an individual attributes unwanted feelings, thoughts, or motives to another person. For example, if you dislike someone, but some part of you finds this unacceptable, you might unconsciously solve the problem by believing that he/she hates you. Another example of a defense mechanism is denial. When overwhelmed by a problem or experience, the individual may unconsciously respond by refusing to see the problem, thus denial. Denial is very common, but when it’s unconsciously used in an extreme form, destructive mistakes may follow. One example is when a spouse is unable to see a partner’s infidelity. In psychodynamic therapy, your therapist will help you understand when you are using defense mechanisms to protect yourself and identify when they impair your choices and behavior. By bringing awareness to these unconscious behaviors and patterns, you are free to live consciously, not reflexively, making deliberate and meaningful choices in your life going forward.

Neurosis & psychoanalytic psychotherapy

Psychoanalysis can be highly effective in relieving neurosis. Neurosis often involves symptoms like anxiety, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and emotional instability, which typically stem from unresolved unconscious conflicts, early childhood experiences, and deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior. Psychoanalysis, with its focus on exploring the unconscious mind, aims to bring these hidden conflicts to light. By working through these issues in a safe, supportive therapeutic environment, individuals can gain insight into the root causes of their symptoms.

As individuals become more aware of the unconscious processes driving their neurosis, they can begin to break free from repetitive, maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns. This self-awareness helps individuals make healthier choices, manage emotions more effectively, and develop more adaptive coping strategies. Over time, the deep, introspective nature of psychoanalysis can lead to lasting relief from neurotic symptoms, allowing individuals to experience greater emotional stability, self-acceptance, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Some typical problems and character symptoms that can be resolved or alleviated with this approach include:

• Chronic Anxiety and Stress - Individuals may experience anxiety rooted in unconscious fears, unresolved trauma, or perfectionistic tendencies. Psychoanalytic therapy helps bring these underlying sources of anxiety to light, allowing clients to gain insight and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.

• Depression and Low Self-Esteem - Often, depression stems from unresolved conflicts or a lack of self-worth that originates from childhood experiences or dysfunctional relationships. Through insight-oriented therapy, clients can address these deep-rooted feelings and develop a more positive sense of self.

• Relationship Difficulties - Individuals who struggle with forming or maintaining healthy relationships may be unconsciously repeating patterns from early-life attachments or unresolved family dynamics. Psychoanalytic therapy helps individuals understand these patterns, leading to more fulfilling and authentic relationships.

• Perfectionism - A strong need to achieve or please others can be driven by unconscious fears of failure or rejection. By understanding the origins of perfectionism, clients can learn to reduce self-criticism and embrace self-compassion.

• Emotional Regulation Issues - People with difficulty managing intense emotions may have repressed feelings or unresolved trauma. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy allows individuals to access and process these emotions, leading to healthier emotional expression and regulation.

• Work and Career-Related Stress - A tendency to overwork or engage in unhealthy competition often has roots in early-life experiences of insecurity or inadequacy. Psychoanalytic therapy can uncover these patterns and help individuals achieve a more balanced and fulfilling career.

• Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors - Addictive behaviors, whether related to substances, food, or other compulsive actions, are often symptoms of deeper emotional or relational wounds. Insight-oriented therapy works to uncover the psychological mechanisms behind these behaviors, promoting healing and healthier coping strategies.

• Low Boundaries and People-Pleasing - Individuals who struggle with setting boundaries may have developed a pattern of seeking approval or validation from others due to early childhood dynamics or a fear of abandonment. Psychoanalytic therapy can help individuals assert their needs and create healthier interpersonal boundaries.

• Unresolved Childhood Trauma - Past trauma, especially when unconscious, can manifest in various ways throughout life, including anxiety, relationship difficulties, and self-destructive behaviors. Through psychoanalytic therapy, clients can confront and process these unresolved issues, leading to healing and personal growth.

By fostering a deeper understanding of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, psychoanalytic psychotherapy offers lasting change and resolution for a variety of emotional, relational, and behavioral issues. This insight-driven approach allows individuals to transform their internal world, ultimately leading to healthier, more fulfilling lives.

a deeper dive with Psychoanalytic psychotherapy…

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be a transformative tool for stressed-out New Yorkers, offering deep, long-term relief by addressing the root causes of stress and emotional distress. In a city where fast-paced lifestyles, high expectations, and constant change are the norm, many individuals find themselves overwhelmed by underlying patterns of thought and behavior that fuel anxiety, perfectionism, or work-related stress. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts, unresolved conflicts, and early-life experiences that shape current emotional challenges. By exploring these deep-seated issues in a safe, reflective environment, clients gain insight into the underlying sources of their stress, allowing them to break free from old patterns and adopt healthier coping strategies.

For New Yorkers, this therapeutic approach provides more than just relief from immediate stressors—it offers a roadmap for self-discovery, emotional growth, and greater self-awareness. By developing a better understanding of one’s internal world, psychoanalytic psychotherapy helps individuals develop resilience, emotional regulation, and a more balanced perspective on life’s challenges. Over time, this deeper self-awareness can lead to a more fulfilling, less anxiety-driven existence, making it an invaluable tool for those navigating the relentless pressures of city life.

About Psychoanalytic Therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gather a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

Psychoanalytic Therapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate, and comprehensive care, staying current on research related to mental health. My goal is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book An Appointment For Psychoanalytic Therapy NYC Today

Book an appointment directly or text 212-529-8292 to get started. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you with your healing journey guiding you towards optimal mental health. 

Kimberly Seelbrede is a New York University-trained psychotherapist, an expert in EMDR therapy, and a couple's therapist with nearly two decades of clinical experience. She operates a private practice in New York City and Montana, providing virtual sessions as well. Kimberly has received extensive training and certifications in trauma resolution, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy New York professionals. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provide the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience, and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.