Understanding Repeating Relationship Patterns
A different relationship can still leave you with a familiar feeling.
Read MoreWhy the Past Comes Up in Therapy
People sometimes worry that therapy means endlessly revisiting childhood. Here is how the past actually fits in.
Rebecca Victor, LP-D
Questions That Matter to You
Why the Past Comes Up in Therapy
People sometimes worry that therapy means endlessly revisiting childhood. Here is how the past actually fits in.
The present comes first
Most sessions start with what is happening now: a conflict, a feeling, a decision. The past enters when it helps make sense of the present, not as a required topic.
Patterns with a history
Many reactions that feel automatic were learned early. Noticing where they came from can make them easier to understand and to change. This is not about blaming parents or reliving pain for its own sake.
You set the pace
You decide what to share and when. Difficult memories can be approached gradually, and you can always say that something feels like too much.
Beginning
A free 15-minute consultation is a place to ask about fit and practical arrangements. Onboarding happens only after you both agree to try working together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
No. It may come up naturally, but you choose what to discuss.
Is the goal to blame my family?
No. The goal is understanding, which can include compassion for everyone involved.
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More About Working Together
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy looks at how feelings, relationships, and past experiences shape what is happening in your life now.
Read MoreWhy the Therapy Relationship Matters
In exploratory therapy, the relationship between you and your therapist is part of how the work happens.
Read MoreA conversation about fit comes first.
Ask about a free 15-minute consultation. Onboarding follows only after you agree to try working together.