My Approach

Deep, Relational, Transformative Work

Choosing a therapist is an important and personal decision. When you step into my practice, you are not stepping into a one-size-fits-all approach. Every therapeutic relationship is a unique collaboration, and I meet you exactly where you are — with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to understanding your needs.

As we begin, I take time to assess and thoughtfully recommend the path that best supports your growth. While I have an integrative and holistic perspective — and may suggest skills, coping strategies, or external resources as needed — the heart of my private practice centers around long-term individual psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

This is deep, meaningful work that unfolds over time. It is relational as much as it is insight-driven. And it is grounded in extensive training, clinical experience, and a profound respect for the unconscious mind.

What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is an even deeper and more immersive form of therapeutic work.Typically involving three or more sessions per week, it allows for an intensified exploration of your inner world — providing a powerful and sustained opportunity for transformation.

Psychoanalysis is often suited for those who are seeking profound and enduring change: not just in how they manage life, but in how they experience themselves and their relationships at the core. We work with transference — the way earlier relational patterns may repeat in the therapy relationship — and explore defenses, the unconscious strategies that once protected you but may now limit you. By bringing these processes into awareness within the safety of the analytic relationship, we create new possibilities for freedom, connection, and authentic self-expression.

Research — including the widely cited work of Dr. Jonathan Shedler — has shown that psychoanalytic therapies lead to deeper and more lasting changes than many short-term treatments. Importantly, the benefits often continue to grow even after the therapy ends, because the changes take root within the self.

What is Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a journey of deep self-exploration. It invites you to become more aware of unconscious patterns that shape your emotions, relationships, and life choices — even those that may feel confusing, painful, or stuck.

In this work, we pay attention not just to what you are aware of, but to the subtle patterns of thought, feeling, and relating that operate outside of your conscious awareness. Together, we listen carefully to your experiences, your defenses, your relational style, and the emotional world that lives beneath the surface.

This approach fosters not just symptom relief, but lasting internal change: a restructuring of how you understand yourself and how you relate to others.

My Holistic Perspective

This kind of work is not for everyone. It is an investment of time, emotional energy, and financial resources. But for those who are ready and willing, the rewards are profound: a richer, freer, and more authentic life.

Above all, the success of therapy rests on the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. It is essential that you feel safe, truly listened to, and not judged — and that there is a shared commitment to curiosity, honesty, and growth. If you feel drawn to this kind of work, I welcome the opportunity to meet you, hear your story, and explore together whether we might be a good match for this journey.

Professional Background

I bring nearly three decades of clinical experience to my work, including:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, ACSW, since 1998)
Board-Certified Psychoanalyst and Fellow of the American Board of Psychoanalysis (FABP)
Advanced training in psychoanalysis (since 2000)
Training and Supervising Analyst at the New Orleans Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center (NOBPC)
Faculty Member and Former President of NOBPC
Chair of NOBPC Progress Committee

In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as a consultant for clinicians training to become psychoanalysts. This lifelong commitment to learning and deepening my craft reflects my profound belief in the transformative power of psychoanalytic work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about starting therapy — especially therapy that invites real depth and change — can bring up a lot of questions. That’s completely natural. Here are some answers to common things people want to know when they’re considering this kind of work. And of course, if you have more questions, we can talk about them together.

How often will we meet?

It depends on your needs and goals. Some individuals see me once a week for psychotherapy. For psychoanalytic psychotherapy, we typically meet twice per week. For psychoanalysis, sessions are more frequent, usually three to four times per week. The frequency allows for a deepening of the work, helping us access and understand unconscious patterns more effectively.
What is expected of me in this work?

The more you invest emotionally in the work, the more you are likely to gain. An important part of the process is practicing free association — doing your best to share whatever is on your mind, even if it seems unimportant, confusing, or difficult to say. Together, we will explore not only what you are aware of, but also what might be harder to reach — including the ways resistance and defenses can show up. Understanding these barriers is a crucial part of growth and lasting change. Your willingness to show up with openness and curiosity is the foundation of our work.
What are your policies around cancellations and lateness?

Sessions are 45 minutes long and begin at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the originally scheduled time. If I am ever delayed, I will do my best to make up the time at the end of the session. Cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice. Once you are scheduled for more than two sessions per week, your times are reserved specifically for you. If you cancel late and your time cannot be filled, you will be responsible for the session fee. This structure is part of supporting a deep commitment to your work.
Is confidentiality guaranteed?

Confidentiality is essential to creating a safe space for deep work. Everything we discuss is confidential with very few legal exceptions, including: If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. If I suspect abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult. If required by law, such as through a court order or subpoena. If any concerns about confidentiality arise, I will always do my best to speak with you first and to protect your privacy. I do not keep digital notes — only handwritten ones — to add an additional layer of protection. Scheduling and billing, however, are managed securely through a digital system.
Can we do longer sessions if needed?

Yes. While standard sessions are 45 minutes, extended double sessions can be arranged for those who prefer or require longer periods of focused work. This is often helpful for people with demanding schedules or for those seeking to deepen the intensity of the process.
What if I want to end therapy?

The ending phase of therapy is a very important part of the process — just as important as the beginning and the deep work in between. It is common for feelings to arise around ending — including the impulse to leave suddenly when things feel difficult or emotionally charged. I encourage you to talk openly about any wish to end so that we can explore it together. A thoughtful, planned ending gives you the opportunity to review and honor your progress, address any unfinished feelings, and experience a healthy closure — something life rarely offers naturally. It is a profound and meaningful part of healing.
Can I schedule a consultation even if I’m not sure I’m ready?

Yes. Sometimes the best first step is simply to meet and have an initial consultation. This allows us to discuss your needs, answer your questions, and get a feel for whether this work — and this working relationship — feels like the right fit for you.

JAMIE CROMER