Why the silence?

In day-to-day life, silence is often perceived as a negative phenomenon whereby empty speech gives way to emptier silences.  

In therapy, however, silence is a positive phenomenon establishing the opportunity to be heard and to speak, unencumbered. 

"I wish to hear the silence..." said Henry David Thoreau, "for the silence is something positive and to be heard."

When you speak, speak freely.  Try not to censor your thoughts and feelings.  

Thoughts and feelings that you may judge as arbitrary, shallow, or taboo often hold the key to unlocking some of your mind's most stubborn mysteries.  Granted, it may not be easy to share so openly, but as Sigmund Freud observed, "those who disdain the key will never be able to unlock the door."

You'll spend approximately one-third of life asleep.  And although you are "unconscious" during sleep, dreaming is hardly a passive phenomenon.  

To actively explore dreams is to eavesdrop upon the unconscious mind and steal a better understanding of your desire and fear.  It is an indispensable part of therapy.  

Tell me a dream.

To know yourself better is a challenging process.  It means to front the truth of who you are - to know yourself, as yourself.  "The great ethical element in psycho-analytic work is truth" said Freud "and again truth, and this should be sufficient..."