More Than Talk: Understanding You, Not Just Your Symptoms
By Lobelys Anicet, MSN, PMHNP-BC
3 min read
Starting therapy can be an overwhelming thing, and that’s totally okay. I’ve found that, for most people, it’s usually because they’re not sure whether they’re saying the right things and don’t know where to begin. Going into therapy for the first time can feel like walking into unknown territory—you’re not sure what to expect, how long it’ll take, or how deep things might go, especially when you’ve tried to cope with it on your own.
I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Lavender, and when clients have their first meeting with me, I can sense that mix of worry and anxiety. To help ease these feelings, I tell my clients that we’ll take things one step at a time, starting with what’s been showing up for them lately, and slowly uncovering the ‘why’ behind it.
Understanding the ‘why’ is where we begin to notice patterns in their thoughts and behaviors, and one of my favourite ways to do this is through psychodynamic psychotherapy, which helps bring the hidden influences that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others to the forefront. Through this type of therapy, you may find yourself:
Understanding where your struggles come from, instead of just managing your symptoms.
Recognizing the thought and behavior patterns that may be holding you back from achieving your goals.
Approaching relationships with more clarity and confidence.
Building self-compassion and resilience, especially during difficult times.
How We’ll Work Together
There’s no script you need to follow in our sessions. You can bring in whatever feels important—stress at work, a relationship that’s been weighing down on you, or even a dream that’s been lingering for days. For me, these types of small details can open the door to deeper patterns in how you see yourself and the world.
As a psych NP, my role is to listen closely and look at what’s happening from more than one angle at a pace that feels safe and not forced. Yes, I help with symptoms like managing anxiety, improving sleep, or finding the right medication if that’s part of your care, but I also want to understand the emotional patterns that might be tied to those symptoms. For example, you might notice that stressful situations bring up a certain type of emotion, or that even when things seem fine, there’s a part of you that’s anticipating something to go wrong.
When we start talking about those moments regularly, it gives us a steady rhythm to begin to connect the dots—between your thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms, and the stories you tell yourself about what they mean. That’s really what psychodynamic psychotherapy is all about: getting curious about the patterns and past experiences that influence how you live your life. It’s less about fixing symptoms and more about understanding where they come from, so you can feel more self-aware and at ease in your everyday life.
A Path Toward Real Change
One of the most healing parts of psychodynamic therapy is the relationship we’ll build together. Sometimes, the very feelings or struggles that show up in everyday life can come up in therapy, too—and that’s not a setback. It actually gives us a chance to create a safe space to understand these feelings, find support, and practice new ways of connecting. Many people find that simply feeling truly heard and understood is deeply healing in itself.
One thing to note is that psychodynamic therapy isn’t a quick fix approach. It’s a process of building a deeper understanding of yourself that leads to genuine, long-lasting change. According to the American Psychological Association, this type of therapy can help people gain deeper self-awareness and work through long-standing emotional challenges, creating more meaningful and fulfilling lives. The goal is to help you feel grounded, authentic, and connected—not just in the moment, but in a way that’ll last.
If you find yourself facing the same struggles over and over, or if past experiences are leaving you feeling stuck and weighed down, psychodynamic psychotherapy can help you explore why you’re feeling this way. The best part is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. If this approach feels like it could be helpful, reach out to us. We can work together to see if it’s the right fit for you. Taking that first step can open the door to understanding yourself in a whole new way.
All content and information on this website are for informational purposes only. None of the material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information does not create any client-provider relationship. Please consult with your mental health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.