Our practice begins with the assumption that no matter what you're struggling with, you are always doing your level best and striving to be the best version of yourself. We are not here to "fix" you because you're not "broken". And we're not here to solve just one problem or resolve a single symptom, because it's never that simple.
We are experts in the unconscious and the complexity of the human mind. Most people understand they may have "issues" from their past, but very few understand exactly what that means or what to do about it. Your therapist will gain a strong understanding of who you are, your personal history, and the dynamics at play in your unconscious mind. They will help you gain insight into exactly what is slowing you down or holding you back. They will strengthen your sense of "Self" and draw out the healthy parts of yourself that are working so hard to shine through.
While many people come into therapy hoping it will help, most have no idea how truly transformative it can be until they go through it. We all have assumptions about life that are based on our past experiences - NOT on what the future can hold. To make the most of therapy, we encourage you to embrace the possibilities, and do your best to let your guard down. We will guide you through the rest.
Clinical Social Work
At H1 Therapy, the foundation is clinical social work—a field rooted in accessibility, community service, and support for those often marginalized by traditional systems. Unlike practices centered on psychology or medicalized models, H1 is grounded in values of equity, outreach, and human dignity.
Every clinician at H1 is a trained social worker, bringing both strong clinical skill and a deep commitment to social justice, inclusion, and person-centered care. The goal is to provide high-quality, meaningful therapy without losing the depth, humanity, or integrity that real healing requires.
psychodynamic theory
The term psychodynamic refers to the therapeutic approach used at H1. Rooted in the work of Freud—though significantly evolved since his time—psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that unconscious beliefs, patterns, and fears formed in the past can continue to shape our present lives in ways we may not fully realize.
You might struggle to pinpoint what's bothering you, or find yourself focused on something that isn't truly at the root of your distress. H1 therapists are trained to help you explore what’s beneath the surface—bringing insight to the unconscious, so you can feel more free, more whole, and better able to move forward.
self psychology
Self psychology is one of several modern theories that evolved from Freud’s original work. At its core, self psychology recognizes that we all rely on others—called selfobjects—to help meet our emotional needs throughout life. This is especially true in childhood, when we are most vulnerable and just beginning to form a sense of self.
When our early emotional needs are generally met, we develop a strong internal foundation and move through the world with greater security. But when those needs go unmet, it can be harder to feel whole—and harder to get those needs met later in life.
Therapy can help by offering a relationship where those emotional needs are recognized and responded to with care and consistency. Over time, this kind of experience can strengthen the self from the inside out—making it easier to grow, heal, and move forward.
the forward edge
By now, you’ve likely noticed the word forward used often. That’s no accident. The Forward Edge is a key concept within self psychology and a central pillar of our approach at H1.
At its core, the goal of therapy is to help each person move forward—toward greater freedom, authenticity, and fulfillment. What that looks like is different for everyone, and we encourage our clients to be bold and creative in imagining their future. Our role is twofold: to help uncover what’s standing in the way, and to support the part of you that’s ready to take the next step.
Each person brings a complex history shaped by unmet needs, protective defenses, and fears of stepping outside the familiar. The forward edge approach honors the part of you that’s cautious, while listening closely to the part that longs for growth. As therapy progresses, your sense of self strengthens—and with it, real, lasting change begins to unfold.
Therapeutic technique
In session, you’ll talk about whatever is on your mind—and your therapist will listen closely. But that’s just the beginning.
There’s a common misconception that therapists are supposed to be completely neutral and mostly silent. At H1, we define neutrality differently. We don’t impose our personal values, political views, or life experiences into your process. But we are far from silent.
Your therapist will ask thoughtful questions, reflect patterns, highlight emotional themes, and—when it’s helpful—offer gentle challenges. As the relationship deepens, your therapist becomes an active, attuned presence in the room.
This isn’t just a style—it’s rooted in our clinical training. We believe the therapeutic relationship itself is a key part of the healing process. If we’re doing our job well, you’ll feel like you’re not doing this work alone. You’ll feel seen, supported, and strong enough—together—to face whatever comes next.