Annette Poizner, MSW, Ed.D., Registered Social Work
The Tools, the Tactics, the Technique
Psychotherapy Approach
My psychotherapy work is informed by depth-oriented psychological models that view symptoms not simply as problems to be eliminated, but as meaningful expressions of underlying psychological dynamics. Within these models, persistent symptoms are often understood as serving an adaptive function in relation to issues that may not be immediately conscious.
In clinical practice, attention may be given to dream material, autobiographical memory, and symbolic imagery as potential sources of information about underlying patterns of meaning and organization within the psyche.
I draw on conceptual frameworks derived from Chinese philosophy as one of several maps used to understand psychological functioning.
Where appropriate and following formal assessment and consent, psychotherapy may involve the use of brief, targeted methods aimed at strengthening psychological resources and modifying patterns that maintain distress. Interventions are selected based on clinical formulation and individual presentation.
My work has included individuals presenting with complex or longstanding difficulties that have not responded well to standard approaches. My practice is selective and limited in scope, and services are offered only where I determine that I can provide appropriate and effective care.
My clinical training and influences include the work of Milton H. Erickson, Carl Jung, and contemporary integrative psychology, as well as methods such as EMDR, NLP, and Internal Family Systems, used within their respective professional guidelines.
Consideration of lifestyle factors may arise in a general, educational manner, with any medical or nutritional concerns appropriately referred to qualified providers.
Psychotherapy is a structured, collaborative process that unfolds over time within clear professional boundaries. It is offered only following completion of a formal intake process and mutual agreement to proceed.
"What do dreams and childhood memories tell us about ourselves?"
Good question!
People are fundamentally expressive of who they are, which means that a person's intrinsic patterns may be expressed in the dreams that they wake up with (or have had over the course of life) or the childhood memories that they retain. Accessing a handful of your earliest memories can be illuminating, and potentially give us food for thought: looking at your dreams or gathering childhood memories, we will find patterns, ways you have conceptualized yourself or beliefs that have hardened into a set worldview.
Looking at personal material of this sort can give us insight into your personality style, talents, personal issues and even shine light on a blind spot or two. as we, together, tease through your influences and patterned ways of seeing the world and get ideas about how to move forward in new ways. This process is insight-oriented, also behavioural.
When is this kind of work useful?
Sometimes a person is looking for help with a longstanding challenge; other times, just looking for insight. I look at problems using a wide lens; I'm interested in the ways nutrition effects how we feel and act, Chinese medical theory informs our understanding of personal challenges and cognitive processing sometimes effects social and psychological function. In other words, I also think about the big picture and this can be a moment to think about life style issues, as they affect mental health.