Thomas Hoffman, MD

Psychoanalyst

Dr. Thomas Hoffman is a Psychoanalyst in Bethesda, MD with special training and skill in performing a specific type of therapy called psychoanalysis. As a Psychoanalyst, Thomas Hoffman, MD performs therapy related to the unconscious mind. Psychoanalysis is a medical specialty centered on treating mental disorders by uncovering harmful repressed fears and conflicts so they can be permanently resolved. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Psychoanalysts include depression, anxiety, sexual disorders, self-destructive behavior, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), self-harm behavior, grief and anger management, and mood disturbances. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Psychoanalysts include mental health asssessment and diagnosing, free association, dream analysis, behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, prescribing medication, and referral to other specialists as needed.

Psychoanalysis is a comprehensive, theoretical framework which, when applied to a treatment process, consists of an intensive verbal, therapeutic relationship between an analyst and an analysand which aims for symptom relief, emotional growth, and personal integration. The psychoanalytic treatment process includes, but is not limited to, the recognition of unconscious processes and conflicts; the significance of developmental influences; and the impact of resistances, defenses, transference and countertransference phenomena. Treatment is enhanced by an understanding developed in the analyst's training and personal analysis of unconscious manifestations, such as dreams, slips of the tongue, fantasies and day dreams. Psychoanalytic technique varies in relation to theoretical orientation.