Dr. Paul Hewitt Psy.D.

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Every person is uniquely shaped by a variety of relationships and experiences. I believe there is no “cookie cutter” approach to addressing the complex problems of life. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative journey, one that understands and honors the depth of you as a whole person and the particulars of your life story. In the context of an emotionally safe and authentic relationship, I believe profound healing and transformation is possible.

 

While I seek to tailor my approach to the unique needs of my clients by integrating aspects of other therapy models, (internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, existential) I work primarily from a relational psychodynamic model. This more in-depth approach goes beyond symptom relief and focuses on expanding awareness of feelings, thoughts, desires, and needs (conscious and unconscious) in order to work through underlying core issues that are at the root of symptoms. 

 

This kind of deeper work, while focusing on present experiences, can often involve facing and working through unresolved issues from the past such as emotional wounds, trauma, and losses experienced in childhood or in adult significant relationships. As a way to cope with these painful experiences, we develop emotional “survival strategies” that, while necessary at the time, have resulted in problematic ways of coping that leave us feeling “stuck.”

 

A primary goal of psychodynamic therapy is to shed light on how aspects of the past, including ingrained maladaptive ways of coping, are manifesting in and shaping themes, patterns, and responses in the present. As old ways of being and relating are uncovered, explored, and relinquished, room is created to become “unstuck” by experiencing and embracing new, healthier ways of living. To learn more about psychodynamic therapy, check out this interview with professor Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D. and this article published by the American Psychological Association.