Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Tucson, AZ
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Psychoanalyst with over 25 years of experience in mental health therapy. My practice focuses on psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Mentalization Based Treatment for adolescents and adults, including those on the autism spectrum. I integrate developmental, cognitive, and neuropsychological approaches to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges.My training at Pacifica Graduate Institute and the Arizona Center for Psychoanalytic Studies, combined with my role as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, ensures a foundation of expertise. I prioritize fostering resilience through empathetic, client-centered care that promotes self-understanding and meaningful relationships.
Services
Psychoanalysis
Psychodynamic Therapy
Mentalization Based Treatment
Autism Spectrum Therapy
Developmental Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Certified Psychoanalyst with 25+ years of clinical experience.
- Specialized training in Mentalization Based Treatment and autism therapies.
- Integrates developmental, cognitive, and neuropsychological approaches.
- Adjunct faculty member at University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.
- Focus on fostering resilience and meaningful relationships through empathy.
Services
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis explores unconscious patterns through in-depth dialogue to resolve emotional conflicts and improve self-awareness. This long-term treatment addresses deep-seated issues like trauma, relationship difficulties, and chronic mental health conditions. My approach integrates modern psychoanalytic techniques with developmental insights to foster lasting psychological growth.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy examines recurring emotional and relational patterns rooted in past experiences. This structured approach helps clients understand how early attachments shape current behaviors and mental health. By analyzing unconscious processes, clients gain insight into anxiety, depression, and interpersonal challenges while developing healthier coping strategies.
Mentalization Based Treatment
Mentalization Based Treatment enhances emotional regulation by improving one's ability to understand mental states in themselves and others. This evidence-based approach benefits individuals struggling with relationship issues, trauma, and personality disorders. Through MBT, clients develop greater self-awareness and interpersonal empathy to break negative behavioral cycles.
Autism Spectrum Therapy
Autism therapy combines DIR/Floortime principles with mentalization techniques to support neurodivergent individuals. This client-centered approach addresses sensory processing differences, communication challenges, and social interaction patterns. Treatment focuses on building emotional resilience while honoring neurodiversity through personalized developmental interventions.
Developmental Therapy
Developmental therapy addresses emotional and behavioral challenges through a lifespan perspective. This approach examines how early experiences shape current functioning, particularly for individuals with autism or developmental delays. By focusing on affect regulation and relational patterns, clients improve emotional processing and adaptive functioning across personal and professional contexts.
People
Pamela Hays
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Hays is a Certified Psychoanalyst with 25+ years of experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and autism spectrum disorders. She teaches psychiatric residents at the University of Arizona and specializes in Mentalization Based Treatment and developmental therapies.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
I offer psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, Mentalization Based Treatment, and Developmental, Individual, Relationship-based (DIR) therapy for autism spectrum disorders.
Do you specialize in treating autism?
Yes, I specialize in autism treatment using DIR therapy and Mentalization Based Treatment tailored to neurodivergent needs.
How do you approach mental health treatment?
I use a developmental, cognitive, and neuropsychological framework to address emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges holistically.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes, I offer HIPAA-compliant video sessions via Vsee for remote psychotherapy and mental health consultations.
What is Mentalization Based Treatment?
MBT is a therapy focusing on understanding mental states (thoughts, feelings) to improve emotional regulation and relationships.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Contact me directly at (520) 318-3711 to discuss your needs and arrange an initial evaluation session.
