Brianna Pollock, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
I strive for the therapy process to be collaborative, safe, inclusive, meaningful, playful, and occasionally challenging (in a helpful way). I hope to foster a therapeutic relationship that gives each person space to explore their difficulties, including identifying patterns of relating, thinking and feeling that are no longer serving them. As a psychodynamic psychologist, I believe in the significance of shedding light on the engrained emotional experiences that shape our behaviors and relationships.
Areas of Focus & Specialty
Personality, Attachment & Relational Patterns
Some people experience longstanding patterns in relationships, emotional responses, or their sense of themselves that can be difficult to understand or change. I work with individuals with personality disorders, including borderline, narcissistic, and avoidant personality patterns, as well as complex trauma and attachment-related difficulties. Others may not have a formal diagnosis but recognize patterns of emotional distancing, difficulty trusting or depending on others, fear of rejection, intense relationship difficulties, shame, or feeling stuck despite wanting something different. Therapy offers an opportunity to understand how these patterns developed and how they continue to shape relationships, emotions, and self-experience, while developing greater flexibility and new ways of relating.
Trauma & Its Impact
Traumatic experiences can shape how we understand ourselves, relate to others, and respond emotionally to the world around us. I work with individuals who are navigating the lasting effects of trauma, including difficulties with trust, emotional regulation, relationships, self-esteem, and feeling safe or connected.
Body Image & Relationship with Food
Our relationship with our bodies and with food can be shaped by experiences of shame, self-criticism, control, and expectations about how we believe we should look or feel. I work with individuals who want to develop a more accepting and sustainable relationship with their bodies and food, particularly when these concerns have become a source of distress or are affecting daily life.
Work, Stress & Burnout
Work can be an important source of meaning and identity, while also creating significant stress. I work with individuals navigating burnout, work-related stress, perfectionism, difficult workplace relationships, and challenges balancing professional and personal life.
Anxiety, Mood & Emotional Well-Being
Anxiety and depression can affect how we experience ourselves, our relationships, and our ability to engage in daily life. Therapy can provide an opportunity to better understand the emotional patterns underlying these experiences and develop more flexible ways of responding to stress and difficult emotions.
Education & Experience
Pre-doctoral internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Licensed Psychologist. License Number: 003869
I've had the privilege of gaining experience in variety of settings to help inform my work with young adults and adults, including the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital in the LGBTQ+ Young Adult Services, Professionals’ Program and Perinatal Day Program. I have been providing outpatient psychotherapy for over 10 years, and also have extensive experience with family, couples and group therapy. In my other role, I am a clinical program manager for the Professionals' Program and the Perinatal Day Program at the Institute of Living. I am actively engaged in training the next generation of psychologists in psychodynamic psychotherapy via supervision and teaching. I am currently serving as the President for the Connecticut Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology. I have published papers and presented talks on inclusive and equitable care, modern psychodynamic psychotherapy, emotional intelligence and weight stigma.
Services
I provide individual and couples psychotherapy. I work with young adults and adults. I am able to provide appropriate documentation for out of network benefits. I am not currently in network with any insurances.
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$225.00
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250.00
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Starting at $200.00 an hour