Sigmund Freud, often referred to as the father of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the way we understand the human mind. While his theories of the id, ego, and superego are widely discussed and taught, an often-overlooked aspect of Freud's work is his perspective on self-control. Freud believed that the ability to manage one’s impulses, desires, and instincts was central to an individual’s mental health, and by extension, society's well-being.

Therapy is often described as a path toward self-compassion and healing. While it can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not always easy. One common challenge that arises in therapy is resistance. But what exactly is resistance, and how can addressing it help you grow?

We often hear the phrase, "Trust your gut," but not many people focus on the true importance of it. Our gut instincts are often dismissed or ignored because we rely more on rational thinking. In a world where scam artists attempt to manipulate others regularly, it's crucial to listen to our gut feelings because they provide us with relevant information that our logical minds might miss.

Harry Guntrip's work heavily influenced psychoanalytic thought and theory. His work continues to influence psychoanalysts and psychotherapist’s today.

Ronald Fairbairn was a Scottish psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who played a crucial role in developing the Object Relations Theory of psychoanalysis.

In a society that often feels overwhelmingly chaotic, finding balance and calm for our mind and body can be a challenge. Fortunately, understanding the role of our nervous system can lead to profound changes in our well-being. Enter polyvagal exercises—a series of practices designed to help regulate the nervous system, providing a pathway to peace and resilience.

In today's fast-paced world, impatience is a common trait. The desire for instant gratification can often lead to frustration when things don't go our way. However, understanding that we cannot control outcomes but can use our time effectively is crucial. This mindset shift not only reduces stress but also empowers us to focus on what truly matters.

Spotnitz highlights that relationships require effort, understanding, and communication. To maintain a healthy partnership, it's important to be transparent about your needs—and to help your partner do the same. This blog encourages expressing yourself effectively and fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue that works to understand the dynamics in the dyad.

Your creativity has the power to change status quo. The possibilities are endless, so embrace them and let your imagination guide you. Never settle for mediocrity when you have greatness within you waiting to be unleashed.

In the realm of self-improvement and personal development, actions are pivotal. They shape our paths, define our successes, and often determine our failures. But not all actions are created equal. Two common types of behavior that often get confused are inspired action and acting out. Understanding the difference between these can make a significant impact on your personal growth and mental well-being.

Therapy is often misunderstood. People sometimes believe it's about plunging into the deepest recesses of their minds right from the start. They come in for one or two sessions, expecting to unearth all their hidden traumas and achieve quick fixes. But therapy is not about going deep fast and suddenly; it's a gradual process.

When it comes to therapy, many people worry that bringing up the same topics over and over again is a sign of failure or lack of progress. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.

While co-regulation is about mutual support and regulation, co-dependence is about an imbalanced and unhealthy reliance on others. Understanding the difference is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships!

In a world filled with constant stressors, finding moments of peace and contentment can feel like a herculean task. While therapy sessions provide invaluable support and metabolization, the benefits of practicing gratitude extend beyond the therapist’s office.

Psychoanalysis has long been viewed as a deep and time-consuming process. Yet, just as each individual is unique, so too are their journeys through therapy. Understanding the nuances of psychoanalysis can shed light on both its long-term benefits and the potential for swift, impactful moments of clarity.

There's a growing sentiment among psychoanalytic lovers, mental health professionals, psychology students, and psychiatry enthusiasts that the DSM may not be the best tool available.

In the labyrinth of our minds, doubt often emerges as one of the most persistent and challenging obstacles. For mental health enthusiasts and anyone striving to improve their well-being, learning to eliminate doubt is a crucial step towards building a healthier, more confident self.

Yes, a psychoanalytic therapist can use polyvagal theory (PVT) knowledge in their work. PVT is a collection of psychological, neuroscientific, and evolutionary constructs, that relate to the vagus nerve's role in fear response, emotion regulation, and social connection. 

Allan Schore is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist who has made significant contributions to the field of attachment theory, developmental psychology, and neuropsychology. Some key takeaways from his work include:

Resiliency, the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, is a crucial trait to build as it enables people to manage stress, overcome challenges, and maintain mental well-being. In "The Emotional Life of Your Brain," Richard Davidson discusses building more resilience by stimulating the prefrontal cortex, namely on the left side (Schore, 2015).