
Similar to psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalysis offers a window into mental processes involved in resistance to positive change — and into the formation of character — at a slower, more immersive pace.
Top Rated5/5 GoogleSimilar to psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalysis offers a window of understanding into the mental processes involved in resistance to positive change. Further, it offers insights into the mental processes that form a person's character.
It offers the opportunity to gain insight into the origins of problematic behaviors and patterns of coping. Because it involves more frequent sessions (typically 3–4 times per week), the pace of therapy can be slowed, which allows for a more immersive treatment of the characteristic patterns that have blocked growth. For relational work with a partner, couples therapy provides a separate contractual setting.
This work may include understanding dreams, daydreams and fantasies; analyzing transference; the gradual emergence of free associative thinking; gaining understanding of past problems; and developing empathy for self and others.



Paul Morris
M.A., M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
30+ years in practice
I am Paul Morris, LCSW. For more than thirty years and roughly 25,000 sessions, I have helped adults facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction recovery, grief, and major life transitions.
“Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on understanding the here-and-now appearance of patterns learned in the past.”
I trained in psychoanalysis at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute and practice in Nashville. Sessions are available in person and online via FaceTime, Zoom, or telephone — arrangements agreed in advance.
The development of self-awareness has interested me since college. I trained in religious studies, then social work, and finally psychoanalysis — and established a professional practice in Nashville, Tennessee.
I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy for individuals, psychoanalysis, and psychoanalytic couples therapy — helping with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction recovery, grief, childhood patterns, family-of-origin issues, and major life transitions.
Adults — often educated or working in professional settings, many with families — frequently seeking therapy during transitions such as new work, raising children, loss, or adjusting to new roles, or seeking to learn better ways to cope with difficult or even traumatic experiences. Couples and parents are welcome. You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to begin.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy for individuals, psychoanalysis, and psychoanalytic couples therapy.
Dedicated to helping clients overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being
Every session is rooted in care, empathy, and expertise, ensuring a safe space for growth and transformation
Psychoanalysis sits alongside individual psychodynamic therapy and couples work. Explore related options below.
Understand how patterns learned in the past show up in the present — especially when emotional discomfort interferes with work and intimate relationships.
Psychoanalytic couples therapy to understand what each partner brings from their history — and to choose healthier ways of interacting.
Psychoanalysis is often a good fit for people interested in long-term exploration — recurring relational patterns, deeper self-awareness, and the quieter ways character and history shape daily life. The more frequent pace allows room to notice what brief approaches may leave untouched.
If you want immersive, insight-oriented work and are open to meeting several times each week, this path may be worth considering.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · Faculty, St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute
I am an out-of-network provider. Superbills are available for clients who wish to seek reimbursement through their insurance plan.
Life transitions often bring people to this work. You can also review common questions or reach out when you are ready.