Danny Gellersen, LICSW, FIPA
Psychoanalysis + Psychotherapy
Psychoanalysis vs. Psychodynamic therapy
Some folks are surprised to learn that the early Freudian tradition of Psychoanalysis has evolved over time, into a number of important contemporary schools of theory.
Psychoanalysis:
I tend to think of Psychoanalysis as the more robust and immersive style of working. Psychoanalysts attend a 4-year training (post-graduate) in order to ethically conduct this style of treatment. This modality is often distinguished by higher frequency of meeting (3-5 times a week). Contrary to popular myth high frequency treatments are not indicative of psychopathology or disturbance in a person, but rather a tool for working supportively with deeper aspects of the psyche. The patient is invited each session to begin wherever they are at (which may include “not knowing”), and the analysts role is to facilitate a containment and attention to what emerges.
Psychotherapy:
Psychodynamic therapy is very much related to the theoretical principals of analysis, but frequency is generally 1-2 times a week, and may in some cases be more tailored to specific target areas of interest for the patient. It is often the case for some folks to start with psychodynamic therapy and determine to proceed onto an analysis, though certainly not an expectation of the process.
In this 10-minute video you can get a good synopsis of how psychoanalytic therapies differ from some of the manualized treatments that are more frequently discussed today:
Psychoanalysis Vs. Psychodyammic therapy
Supervision/Consultation is an ongoing dialogue between colleagues that excites, informs and supports a clinician in their own professional development. In my experience, it has the largest impact on preventing burnout and enriching the creativity of the practitioner.
My background is largely steeped in community mental health and private/group practice settings. It's not uncommon for newer clinicians to seek advice in developing business and marketing strategies for their own practice--and why shouldn't they? Psychotherapy is a blend of many things--Art, Science, Business, Policy, even Technology these days. The fact is, several of these areas are not well addressed in clinical graduate programs. I enjoy helping other clinicians think through the clinical implications, ethics and sustainability of their business practices.
In my view, it is absolutely possible to develop a practice that can both support a clinician's income, and work with the vulnerable communities Social Workers are devoted to empowering.
I meet all criteria for approved supervisor status per Washington State Guidelines (MSW).