DEPTH PSYCHOTHERAPY
Depth psychology assumes that the human psyche has both a conscious dimension and another dimension which we are not fully aware of, but which nevertheless drives much of our default ways of relating to self and others, the particular emotions allowed into awareness, and our own particular ways of coping with stress. This other dimension of the psyche is often called the unconscious. It is the part of us which we cannot always see, but is nevertheless always active.
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Intrinsic to depth psychology is the belief that we humans are more than our behavior. Psychological problems can, of course, be in part due to a much-needed "behavior change". But symptoms like depression and anxiety are often clues that something in life is missing or neglected. We humans need spiritual fulfillment, emotionally-satisfying relationships, meaningful endeavors, responsible action, and playfulness. For a depth therapist, symptoms are alarm-bells that it is time to address these needs with courageous intention. In addition to the psychology literature, depth therapists are fond of using philosophy, world religions/spiritual traditions, art, poetry, music and popular culture as clinical tools to access deeper parts of ourselves.
Cody L. Oaks
MA, LPCC, Co-Founder
Cody believes courageous inward exploration of how we as unique individuals experience our own suffering, our own particular kind of “dis-ease”, is essential for psychological well-being and for realizing our limitless capacity for deeper levels of maturity and dignity. In therapy, his approach is deeply informed by Buddhist psychology and mindfulness, along with the insights and framework of intersubjective psychoanalytic and existential psychotherapies. This integrative approach guides the journey towards increased wholeness, radical self-acceptance, and vitality.
In sessions, Cody favors a highly-collaborative, soulfully-engaged relational stance with the aim to co-create an authentically healing encounter as the primary therapeutic element. Cody has clinical expertise in dealing with anxiety, depression, spiritual/meaning crises, adjustment-to-change issues, grief, and relationship (couples/partner) difficulties. With a background in philosophical/spiritual studies, Cody has a particular affinity for working with individuals exploring existential questions of meaning and spirituality; and sees much of our mental health “symptoms” as the result of living in an unwell society which has conditioned us to work not rest, fear not trust, and to separate and not draw near -- both with others and within ourselves. Depth psychotherapy provides a field of open, curious spaciousness in the context of a care-relationship which allows us to cultivate the wholeness which is already inherent in ourselves and in the universe. Admittedly, it’s not always predictable how this process will unfold, but as the Zen proverb says, “not knowing is most intimate”.
Cody has published articles in The Journal of Humanistic Psychology and the Princeton Theological Review, has presented at The International Network for Personal Meaning (Vancouver, BC), the International Kierkegaard Conference (St. Olaf University), the American Academy of Religion, has given several training presentations on existential psychology and topics in psychoanalysis, and has taught graduate level coursework on the writings of Søren Kierkegaard (University of Copenhagen). As a humanistically-oriented psychotherapist, Cody has a passion for a deep examination of how racism particularly affects human psychology/psychopathology and how it might be treated therapeutically. Prior to clinical work in psychotherapy, Cody completed graduate work in philosophy and world religions (Princeton, Luther), providing him with an unique ability and background to address spiritual, philosophical, and existential concerns in a clinical setting marked by a stance of curiosity and openness. In his free time, Cody enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities, playing pickleball, reading sci-fi novels, and indulging his obsession in that magical music that came out of the Twin Cities in the 1980’s (Prince, The Time, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, etc).