Many people wonder about how talking with a therapist can change their outlook, the ways they feel, and their behavior. For most, talking with friends and family members hasn't changed them very much. There are lots of misconceptions. What is the secret?

Dynamic therapists are trained to facilitate a different kind of relationship than their clients have ever had before. The boundaries are clear and discussions are completely private. The therapist is committed to protecting the privacy and interests of their client, and is not involved with their client outside of the therapy. This creates a safe, comfortable environment for looking closely at potential areas of growth and particular types of distress.

Thoughts and memories are always connected to some sort of feeling. Research shows that all mental activity is influenced by emotion. People tend to become overwhelmed by certain feelings and memories, so they protect themselves in various ways. Learning about their unique ways of self-protection help clients and their therapists begin to change mental and emotional distress. Growth involves learning new ways to protect yourself and becoming less vulnerable.

As the distress becomes understood, the client and therapist work together to develop healthier ways of self-protection. The alliance between client and therapist is used to facilitate personal growth in real experience, not simply by talking about abstract ideas. The issues then transform into sources of strength, self-knowledge, and more mature forms of self-protection.