Joyce Yuan

Psychodynamic 

Psychodynamic therapy assumes thoughts, feelings, and motivations aren't always fully accessible to conscious awareness. However, behaviors and relationships can still be influenced by unconscious forces, sometimes in problematic ways. By exploring patterns of behavior and experiences that have shaped the way you think and feel, you can gain insight into what drives you and start making conscious changes.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal psychotherapy emphasizes the transformative power of relationships--both those you have with family, friends, and colleagues and that which you have with your therapist. This therapy focuses on developing corrective experiences, in which you can practice relating to people in new ways and start healing from damage done in previous relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a popular evidence-based therapy that focuses on the relationship among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this therapy, you will learn how to evaluate and challenge thoughts that give rise to negative feelings and behaviors. You will also learn how to change problematic behaviors by gradually exposing yourself to triggering situations while practicing new coping strategies.

Depression

Depression is the experience of persistent sad mood and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. It can manifest in hopeless, self-critical thoughts, social isolation, and changes in sleep and appetite. Depression can occur in relation to a variety of life stressors (e.g., loss, illness, trauma). I have had success treating depression with cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented techniques.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the unpleasant experience of excessive worry, fear, and stress that can interfere with daily activities and your ability to rest/relax. Anxiety can manifest in repetitive thoughts and acute physical symptoms, such as heart-racing and difficulty breathing. I have had success treating anxiety with a combination of relaxation, problem-solving, and graded exposure exercises.

PTSD

Through my work at veterans hospitals, I have gained experience at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include unwanted memories of trauma, hypervigilance, and avoidance of perceived threats. Treatment can involve processing feelings about the past trauma, understanding how trauma affects your current thinking and behavior, and developing new ways to feel safe and empowered.