Dr. Lhulier is a candidate in psychoanalytic training.  She is happy to answer any questions that you might have about psychoanalysis.  It is important to note, that when Dr. Lhulier provides psychoanalysis she works with a supervisor to ensure high quality treatment.

What is Psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is a unique, intensive form of psychotherapy that fosters personal development and liberation from unsatisfying or painful patterns of living. It enables you to become aware of and master previously unconscious and habitual patterns of dealing with uncomfortable feelings and to develop a wider array of coping strategies, which are more efficient and effective.

Why Psychoanalysis?
People seek psychoanalysis for many different reasons. Some people hope for deepening self-understanding and fulfillment in their personal lives. Others may feel stuck in distressing patterns that prevent them from feeling satisfied, from connecting with others, or from finding meaning in their lives. Others want help with specific emotional difficulties such as depression, or are seeking to come to terms with a painful or traumatic personal history.

How does Psychoanalysis work?
The process of psychoanalysis depends on the establishment of a safe, confidential relationship with one's analyst. The frequency of sessions - typically three to five times a week - allows the patient's dilemmas to come to life in the intricacies of the psychoanalytic relationship, offering a rich field of exploration. Patient and analyst work together to grasp the meaning of the patient's experience through emotional reactions, thoughts, memories, fantasies, dreams, images, and sensations. Many individuals find that the use of an analytic couch allows them to speak more freely about their most personal concerns, and to access experiences that have usually been kept out of awareness. For others, the experience of a face-to-face dialogue seems essential for the unfolding of the process.

Is Psychoanalysis for me?
The decision to enter into psychoanalysis represents a mutual agreement between patient and analyst. Decisions about the frequency of sessions needed to sustain the process are reached jointly. Fees for psychoanalysis vary, and are a matter to be negotiated between patient and analyst. The analytic process can be expected to unfold over a considerable period of time.
Psychoanalysis involves a significant commitment on the part of the patient and analyst. Sessions are more frequent and regular than in psychotherapy, and you are encouraged to say whatever is on your mind, including your dreams, feelings and thoughts. In a safe atmosphere, you become increasingly aware of your inner conflicts and world and, as a result, gain increasing control over your choices and life.

Psychoanalysis may lead to an improvement in your energy level, creativity and achievement in your work and personal goals. Because of these changes, psychoanalysis may have a positive effect on others in your life.

Does being a Psychoanalyst require advanced training?
Psychoanalysis is provided by psychotherapists who are graduates of psychoanalytic institutes. These psychotherapists are physicians, psychologists and social workers who have completed their degree as well as undertaken training at a psychoanalytic institute lasting six to ten years. . Psychoanalytic training consists of a rigorous program of several years of coursework, a personal analysis, and experience providing psychoanalysis under the supervision of experienced analysts. Psychoanalysts are the only mental health professionals required to undergo a personal psychoanalysis as part of their training.