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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Individuals in East Nashville
Psychodynamic psychotherapy develops understanding of problematic behaviors and resistances to change, with a unique focus on the here-and-now appearance of patterns learned in the past.
Top Rated5/5 GooglePsychodynamic Psychotherapy for Individuals
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy works by developing an understanding of problematic behaviors and resistances to change. These poor coping and dysfunctional defense mechanisms are learned in childhood as a way to protect self-esteem and may become fixated or stuck.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is unique in its focus on understanding the here-and-now appearance of patterns learned in the past. It is ideal for individuals whose emotional discomfort is interfering with personal satisfaction with relationships, both at work and in intimate life. When a more immersive individual pace is needed, psychoanalysis may be a better fit; when the focus is the partnership, couples therapy offers a dedicated setting.
Together we develop a therapeutic relationship that offers a safe setting to notice and verbalize painful feelings, recognize automatic defenses, process grief, recover from addictive patterns, and develop a new narrative of one's life.
These are the kinds of feelings people often bring into the room.
Insight that supports change in relationships, work, and self-understanding.
Meet Paul Morris, LCSW
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.
- Psychoanalytic trainingSt. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute
- Certified Practitioner in Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama
- M.A., M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
- FacultySt. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute
- In practice for 30+ years (~25,000 sessions)
- Member, American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)
- Education Committee, Nashville Center for Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — 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.
Years of Experience
Dedicated to helping clients overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being
Sessions Completed
Every session is rooted in care, empathy, and expertise, ensuring a safe space for growth and transformation
Frequently Asked Questions
Other things I help with
Individual psychodynamic work often connects with psychoanalysis or couples therapy. Explore related services below.
Who This Service Is For
Psychodynamic psychotherapy often helps adults who want deeper self-understanding — especially when anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or long-standing emotional patterns keep returning. It can also support people moving through life transitions who sense that more is stirred than the present moment alone can explain.
If you are looking for thoughtful, insight-oriented work rather than quick techniques alone, this path may be a place to begin.
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.
Continue exploring
Life transitions often bring people to this work. You can also review common questions or reach out when you are ready.