“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Frequently Asked Questions
About Depth Psychology, Jungian & Somatic Therapy
Common questions about what to expect, how this therapy works, and whether this approach might be right for you.
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Depth psychotherapy explores the unconscious—the layer of inner life where memories, emotions, symbols, and patterns reside beneath awareness. It encompasses psychodynamic therapy, Jungian psychology, somatic practices, and other approaches that honor the symbolic and creative dimensions of the psyche.
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how unconscious conflicts, early relationships, and defense mechanisms shape thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Depth-oriented work builds on this foundation, also engaging dreams, archetypes, body wisdom, and the imaginal language of symbols.
Both approaches share the belief that insight—understanding where struggles originate and why they persist—forms the foundation for lasting change. In Jungian and depth psychology, the psyche is seen as naturally oriented toward wholeness; symptoms are not simply problems to fix, but signals pointing toward what needs attention or integration.
To learn more about how I integrate these approaches, visit My Approach page.
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Psychodynamic therapy rests on the understanding that much of our inner life operates outside conscious awareness. The unconscious holds difficult emotions, unresolved conflicts, and memories that continue to influence the present.
Early experiences, particularly in relationships, shape patterns that persist into adulthood. Exploring these helps illuminate current struggles and opens pathways for change. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe container for this exploration, offering both support and insight.
Defense mechanisms—like denial, repression, or projection—are identified and understood. While protective in the past, awareness allows you to develop healthier, more intentional ways of responding. Insight—both emotional and intellectual—is central, creating the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.
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Jungian (analytical) therapy rests on several foundational concepts:
Individuation: The lifelong journey toward psychological wholeness, integrating conscious and unconscious aspects to reveal your authentic self.
The Unconscious: Personal unconscious (repressed experiences) and collective unconscious (shared, inherited psychic material). Archetypes and symbolic patterns emerge from this deeper layer.
Shadow: Repressed traits, desires, and instincts—both feared and disowned potentials—are explored and integrated.
Archetypes & Symbols: Universal patterns that guide individuation, emerging in dreams, myths, art, and cultural symbols.
The Therapeutic Relationship: A mutual, collaborative journey where projections, transference, and genuine encounter illuminate unconscious patterns.
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“Somatic” comes from the Greek soma, meaning body. Somatic therapy attends to physical sensations, the nervous system, breath, and movement as pathways to healing. Trauma, emotion, and memory are understood to reside in both mind and body.
When trauma leaves the nervous system in survival mode—fight, flight, freeze, or collapse—these patterns can persist, leaving tension, disconnection, or hypervigilance. Somatic therapy cultivates awareness of the body, helping bring unconscious material—emotions, beliefs, or defenses—into conscious awareness for processing and integration. Read more about the body in this work.
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Transformational coaching is a collaborative, non-clinical process that supports insight, personal growth, and meaningful change. It draws on depth-oriented principles similar to those in psychotherapy—exploring beliefs, values, and inner patterns—but is more structured, goal-focused, and usually occurs over a defined timeframe.
Coaching helps you clarify goals, uncover patterns, and take actionable steps toward creating the life you want. The relationship between coach and client provides guidance, reflection, and accountability, offering a supportive container for exploration and growth.
Unlike therapy, coaching does not provide diagnosis or treat mental health conditions. Its focus is on transformation through clarity, perspective, and practical action rather than clinical intervention.
How does online therapy or coaching work?
Sessions are held via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform and take place in real time, much like an in-person meeting.
Online work allows you to engage from your own space, which many people find supports a greater sense of ease and openness. The therapeutic relationship, depth of exploration, and quality of presence are not diminished by the virtual format.
You’ll need a private, quiet environment, a device with camera and audio, and a reliable internet connection.
What happens in a first session?
The first session is a conversation—a chance to explore why you’re seeking support, what you hope to gain, and whether we might be a good fit. We also cover practical matters such as scheduling, fees, and initial questions.
How long does therapy or coaching take?
There's no prescribed timeline.
Some people engage in focused work around a specific transition or goal—often a few months—while others pursue longer-term therapy to explore deep patterns, trauma, or questions of meaning and identity.
Coaching is often shorter and goal-oriented, while psychotherapy typically unfolds over a longer arc. In all cases, pace and duration are guided by what feels supportive for you. Regular check-ins ensure the work continues to meet your needs.
I've never done therapy before. Is this a good place to start?
This can be a first experience with therapy, though it requires a readiness for self-exploration. The work is less directive and more reflective than many other approaches—it doesn’t offer step-by-step solutions, but instead invites open-ended inquiry into your inner life.
If you already engage in self-reflection—through journaling, meditation, creative work, or paying attention to your inner world—this may be a natural starting point. For those seeking immediate, practical strategies, a more structured approach might be preferable initially.
Explore how we might work together
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide superbills (detailed receipts) for potential reimbursement depending on your plan. Many PPOs offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network psychotherapy (CPT code 90834 or 90837).
What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on psychotherapy, coaching, or preparation/integration sessions. We review fees during the initial consultation.
Do you work with couples, families, or children?
My practice focuses on individual work with adults. I do not currently meet with couples, families, or children.
What if I'm not sure this is the right approach for me?
That’s what the consultation is for. We’ll discuss your needs, the work itself, and whether Jungian, depth-oriented therapy or coaching resonates at this time. Part of my role is helping you discern if this approach is a fit.
