Attachment-Based Integrative Psychotherapy

Childhood experiences form the bedrock of who we are, shaping our perceptions, emotional patterns, and behaviors in ways we often only partially see or understand. Together in therapy, we’ll explore your inner landscape, which stretches back to early life, uncovering how past survival strategies may still affect you today. The goal? To free more of who you truly are—right here, in the present—so you can live with greater choice, deeper self-awareness, and renewed purpose.

Our histories aren’t lived in isolation; they unfold against a backdrop of social norms, exclusion, discrimination, and power dynamics—in families, communities, and entire cultures. From childhood neglect or sexual abuse to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) effects of political or social systems, these forces can leave powerful imprints. Sometimes we learn to numb, hide, or attack ourselves just to survive. Therapy offers a space to reclaim what you’ve had to bury and soothe the parts of you that still feel threatened.

Whether it’s sexual power, institutional discrimination, or cultural clashes, we won’t shy away from these tough topics. Each individual exists at unique intersections of experience—vulnerable on one hand, powerful on the other. By understanding the threats you’ve faced and the ways you adapted, we can begin to see what still serves you and what no longer does.

Dreams can also play a potent role here: in many cases, dreams shine a light on social and cultural pressures that are otherwise hard to articulate. A single dream image can carry the weight of an entire childhood dynamic or social injustice, giving voice to experiences that words alone may struggle to capture.

If you’re seeking therapy, there’s likely more going on under the surface than meets the eye. It’s common to say, “My childhood was fine,” yet struggle to come up with concrete examples that confirm that sense of safety. Or you might have no idea where your distress is coming from, and that, too, is a clue—it’s a pattern of not seeing a pattern. In therapy, every starting point is a good starting point. By gently peeling back the layers of self-deception or confusion, we uncover what’s really there.

Dream work can be especially helpful here, as it often reveals hidden themes that slip past our conscious defenses. A dream might highlight an unacknowledged emotion or a buried memory, creating a roadmap for deeper exploration of the past and its influence on the present.

I focus less on the “what” (the exact behavior) and more on the “why”—the function, the need, and the meaning behind it. This aligns with attachment-aware and mentalization-based approaches, where we view each thought, feeling, and behavior as adaptations that once helped you cope. Our task is to see how these adaptive strategies—born of childhood or cultural necessity—may now be holding you back.

• Attachment Theory (DMM)
  I use the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment (DMM) to guide my interventions. This model helps us understand how early relationships shape adult patterns in a way that’s both evidence-based and deeply respectful of individual complexity. I’ll often share insights in DMM terms, but always as hypotheses, never as absolutes—your reality is paramount.
• Mentalization-Based Therapy
  Mentalization is about understanding our own mind and the minds of others—why we feel what we feel, think what we think, and how that leads us to act in certain ways. Learning to mentalize can be transformative, strengthening emotional regulation and improving relationship dynamics. Integrating dream work here can be a powerful accelerator—by examining dreams through a mentalizing lens, we can glean insights into your inner world that might be hidden in everyday conversation.
• Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF)
  In parallel with the DMM, I draw on the Power Threat Meaning Framework, which acknowledges how social, political, and familial power structures can contribute to psychological distress. This framework is part of a paradigm shift that views people in context, rather than as isolated “cases” needing diagnostic labels. When dream symbols reflect cultural or social struggles, the PTMF offers a broader lens for understanding what those dream images might be telling us about your experiences and the world around you.

These theories don’t stand alone; they inform the human connection between you and me. Theory is only as valuable as the relationship it helps foster—the trust, the communication, and the understanding that makes change possible.

The heart of this work lies in how we relate—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. Theory can shine a light on the “why,” but it’s the bond we build that creates the safety needed for honest exploration. We talk, we question, we reflect. We use everything from deep empathy to a touch of humour (and maybe a little quirkiness) to navigate the tricky or painful places that need our attention.

When it comes to dream exploration, sharing your dreams can be surprisingly intimate. But in a setting grounded in trust and rapport, even the most puzzling or outlandish dream can become a gateway to insight. We explore what the images might symbolize, how they connect to your past, and how they can guide you forward.

Our life—your life—is an astonishing phenomenon. Sometimes, in therapy, a single memory, a deep conversation, or even a dream symbol can spark a glimpse of that wonder. It resonates within us, reminding us that change and growth are not just possible—they can be liberating, even exhilarating. Over time, these glimpses can grow into sustained transformations, helping you step more fully into who you are and how you want to live.

Therapy isn’t just about dismantling old patterns; it’s about discovering new ways of being. If you’re feeling constrained by your past or overwhelmed by present demands, this process can open doors to:

• Greater Emotional Freedom
  Shedding outdated survival strategies so you can choose how to respond to life’s challenges.
• Authentic Connection
  Understanding your own mind and the minds of others leads to healthier, more empathic relationships.
• Renewed Purpose
  By integrating childhood experiences, dream insights, and societal forces into your self-awareness, you create space for new meaning and new action in your life.

We’ll work at a pace that respects your boundaries and honors your courage to look beneath the surface. Therapy is a journey of co-discovery, rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared desire to see what’s really there—and what can be. If you’re open to it, dream work can be a powerful companion on this journey, revealing layers of insight that verbal conversation alone may not reach.

If these ideas resonate with you, or if you simply feel a stir of curiosity—especially around how childhood, attachment, and dreams intersect—I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about whether this approach aligns with your needs. Sometimes, it’s in taking the first step that new possibilities come alive.