Dr. David Goldberg provides psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in Birmingham, Alabama, helping individuals better understand patterns, emotions, and relationships.
Beginning therapy can feel uncertain. Many people wonder what the process will be like, what they should talk about, or whether it will truly help. These questions are an important part of starting.
An Initial Conversation
Our first meetings focus on understanding what brings you in. This includes not only current concerns—such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties—but also a broader sense of your life, history, and patterns over time. There is no expectation to present things in a certain way. We begin wherever you are.
A Different Kind of Therapy
The work I offer is psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, which differs from more structured or problem-solving approaches.
Rather than focusing only on immediate solutions, we explore:
- recurring patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships
- ways of holding back or avoiding certain experiences
- self-defeating or self-sabotaging tendencies
- underlying fears and conflicts that may not be fully conscious
The goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to understand their meaning and origins.
The benefits of therapy can be but are not often immediate. Growth takes time. I like to joke that if transcendence were easy, we’d all be the Buddha! Or another example is that we wouldn’t expect to play Carnegie Hall after a few music lessons. It’s important to give therapy a chance to work. Furthermore, as therapy gets going, you may feel annoyed, angry or upset. These are normal feelings that get generated in such a process–the important thing is to talk about what’s bothering you–talking about your feelings will help improve self-understanding and greater awareness of patterns within ourselves and our relationships.
Depth and Self-Understanding
Therapy is a space where you can speak and think more freely about your experience. We often don’t know what we feel unless we talk openly or write about it. As patterns become clearer, new possibilities often emerge—both in how you understand yourself and in how you approach your life.
This process can lead to:
- greater clarity and self-awareness, leading to improved confidence
- reduced anxiety or depressive symptoms
- increased freedom in relationships and decision-making
- the ability to engage more fully in life
- decrease self-destructive behaviors
The Role of the Therapist
My role is not to judge, direct, or provide quick answers. Instead, I work collaboratively with you to understand what may be shaping your experience, including aspects that are not immediately visible.
This often involves careful listening, thoughtful reflection, and helping you make connections that may not have been apparent before.
Pace and Commitment
This type of therapy is not a quick fix. Meaningful change often takes time, especially when patterns are longstanding. Sessions are typically held once or more per week, depending on your needs and goals.
While the process can be challenging at times, it is also often deeply meaningful and transformative.
Taking the First Step
If you are considering therapy, you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Curiosity about yourself—and a willingness to explore—is enough.
If you would like to learn more or schedule an initial consultation, feel free to call. I typically return calls within one business day.