Q: What is psychodynamic therapy? A: Psychodynamic (or psychoanalytic) therapy is a type of therapy based on a school of thought that originated with Sigmund Freud, one that has expanded and evolved significantly and continues to evolve through research, publications, and conferences throughout the world. The basic premise of psychodynamic (or psychoanalytic) theory is that suffering as a result of patterns in thinking, feeling, and relationships which are often beyond awareness, or unconscious. Psychodynamic therapy attempts to address these patterns through an understanding of the patient's experience in therapy as an example of other relationships in their life. See the websites of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the International Psychoanalytic Association for more in-depth information about this constantly-evolving field.
Q: What is your experience with ethnic and cultural minorities?
A: I have extensive experience with clients from ethnic minorities, partcularly those of African American and Mexican American descent. I also have experience with those of Asian, Persian, and Central American descent.
Q: How much experience do you have?
Q: How long will it be before I feel better?
Q: What if I need medication? A: As we discuss the nature of your suffering, it sometimes becomes clear that a psychotropic medication might be helpful. If this is the case, we will discuss together the possibility of a referral to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication if he or she feels it would be helpful. I do not recommend taking any psychotropic medication without also attending therapy sessions.
I do not recommend that patients take psychotropic medication without attending therapy sessions as well. Research has indicated that medication is most effective when used with therapy. It is often the case that medication masks underlying problems without addressing their cause, so that symptoms return if medication is stopped. When a patient participates in psychotherapy, in addition to taking medication to alleviate current symptoms, the underlying cause can often be addressed, so that symptoms do not return if the medication is stopped.
Oakland Office:
John A. Lundin, Psy.D. Psychologist
445 Bellevue Suite 202
Oakland, CA 94610
San Francisco Office:
John A. Lundin, Psy.D., Psychologist
1774 Union St. Suite 2
San Francisco, CA 94123
License# PSY19824
Office phone: 510-495-5228
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