Psychoanalysis is for you if...
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You're an insightful, introspective person. You already know what you're struggling with, but you can't seem to make the changes you want on your own.
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You need to speak to someone other than a friend, parent, or partner - someone who can occupy a neutral position in your life unlike any other you encounter.
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You don't need another worksheet, coping skill, or breathing exercise. You don't need to see someone who is going to tell you what you've already read, or could easily find on Google or from a class.
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You want to explore your dreams, your fantasies, your slips of the tongue, and the unconscious conflicts that are causing your distress.
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You wish to speak and feel without censoring yourself, without holding back, without fearing that what you share will offend, scandalize, or traumatize the person who listens to you.
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Your symptoms didn't appear overnight, and you expect it will take consistent, challenging work to rid yourself of them.
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You wish for a new, lasting way of being in the world.
Why choose to work with me?
Welcome. I’m Courtney Douds, a Lacanian psychoanalyst and Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been in private practice since 2015. I currently serve on the Board of the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis, where I am also a Candidate Analyst and the website coordinator.
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After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, I pursued dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Education in Human Sexuality. I integrate my expertise in psychology, human sexuality, and social work to provide comprehensive care as a psychoanalyst.
I continue my professional growth in trainings and seminars from the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis as well as through active membership in PLUOTS, a peer-run Philly Local Unconsciously Oriented Therapist Support group.
What is Psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis, pioneered by Sigmund Freud and expanded upon by Jacques Lacan and others, is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that seeks to explore the depths of the unconscious mind to understand and alleviate psychological distress. Lacanian psychoanalysis emphasizes the role of language, symbols, and the unconscious in shaping our identities and experiences.
Central to psychoanalysis is the belief that unconscious conflicts and desires shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through a process of free association, dream analysis, and interpretation, psychoanalysts help patients uncover hidden motivations and unresolved traumas that may be contributing to their struggles.
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By bringing these unconscious elements into conscious awareness, psychoanalysis aims to promote insight, self-understanding, and ultimately, emotional healing and behavioral change.
Benefits of Psychoanalysis
How Does Psychoanalysis Work?
In our sessions, you will be asked to free associate - to say whatever comes to mind without censorship, verbalizing any and all thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations as they arise.
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You will be listened to with undivided attention, with an emphasis on what repeats - in both the behavioral and emotional patterns in your life as well as the words and signifiers that repeat in your speech itself.
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You will be encouraged to recount your dreams, fantasies, and childhood experiences as well as the present-day troubles that have led you to seek out treatment.
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These techniques are used to enable unconscious material to surface, helping you gain insight into the underlying causes of your struggles and allowing for structural change within your psyche.
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I always aim to provide a safe and supportive space for self-exploration and healing. As psychoanalysis is not a one-size-fits-all approach, every session is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the individualized attention and care you deserve.
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I offer a free, one-hour consultation to determine if we are a good fit to continue working together. While my practice is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, my practice is 100% telehealth, offering convenience, privacy, and flexibility to anyone who is interested in pursuing psychoanalysis.
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My rate is $170 per session for individuals and $200 per session for couples.
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Please don’t hesitate to book your free consultation, or to contact me using the form below.