Meaning of Praxis

03 / 17 / 25

Abstract

This article explores the integration of psychodynamic psychotherapy principles with actionable strategies to foster meaningful and lasting change in mental health care. Using the metaphor of a wind-up music box, the author illustrates how unconscious experiences, early relational patterns, and unexamined memories shape emotional responses and behaviors. While gaining insight into these hidden influences is foundational, the author argues that true transformation requires applying that insight through deliberate action—whether behavioral changes, therapeutic interventions, medication, or lifestyle modifications. This combination of reflection and action allows individuals to adjust long-standing emotional patterns and improve psychological well-being. The Praxis model embodies this philosophy, offering a comprehensive approach to mental health that honors both deep self-understanding and the concrete steps necessary to create lasting, positive change.

The Value of Insight in Psychodynamic Therapy

Since I began practicing as a therapist over seven years ago, I have always believed that the insight gained in therapy must lead to action for lasting change. My appreciation for insight stems from my training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. In essence, this approach is about understanding why we feel and respond the way we do.

Much like a wind-up music box, where the beautiful melody comes from hidden gears and springs working together inside, our feelings and behaviors often come from hidden parts of our minds—those internal parts shaped by early relationships and experiences, both known and unknown to us. In psychodynamic therapy, we “open the lid” to explore those internal gears and notice how our “gears,” or past experiences, memories, and unconscious thoughts, work. By understanding how these hidden parts influence the “music” of our emotions and actions, we gain insight into ourselves.

Why Insight Alone Isn’t Enough

However, just knowing how the music box functions isn’t enough to change the melody. We also need to adjust how we wind it up and care for it. This is where action and behavior change come in; they are like turning the key differently or playing a new melody. Just like our minds, music boxes need occasional tune-ups to keep playing their melodies. Some music boxes from over 100 years ago still work, although their music may sound a bit off-key due to dust, rust, wear, and tear. With a correct assessment and understanding of what needs care,  we can adjust and mend the internal parts – they can then continue to play us their tunes.

How Psychiatry Supports This Process

In psychiatry, we do this as well. We use therapy and insight to explore the “dust” of past experiences and the “wear and tear” of how old patterns or untreated dis-ease impact our life. Through action – whether behavior change, medication, lifestyle adjustments – all within the context of a relationship with a provider we trust we can keep the inner music playing. By using our insights to make real changes in how we respond and behave, we can create new, more harmonious “music” in our lives. 

The Meaning Behind Praxis

The new name, Praxis Mental Health, reflects our commitment to helping you gain insight and create lasting change through action. 

Our feelings and behaviors often come from hidden parts of our minds

Keywords

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
  • Insight-Oriented Therapy
  • Behavior Change and Mental Health
  • Lasting Psychological Change
  • Therapeutic Action Steps
  • Emotional Regulation Strategies
  • Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Integration
  • Unconscious Mind and Behavior
  • Early Relational Patterns
  • Mental Health Behavior Modification
  • Neuroplasticity and Behavior Change
  • Lifestyle Interventions in Psychiatry
  • Motivational change
  • Emotional Insight and Transformation
  • Patient-Centered Mental Health Care
  • Holistic Psychiatric Treatment
  • Therapeutic Metaphors in Mental Health
  • Mental Health and Personal Growth
  • Praxis Mental Health Approach
  • Psychotherapy for Lasting Change
  • Integrative Psychiatry and Therapy

The Value of Insight in Psychodynamic Therapy

Since I began practicing as a therapist over seven years ago, I have always believed that the insight gained in therapy must lead to action for lasting change. My appreciation for insight stems from my training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. In essence, this approach is about understanding why we feel and respond the way we do.

Much like a wind-up music box, where the beautiful melody comes from hidden gears and springs working together inside, our feelings and behaviors often come from hidden parts of our minds—those internal parts shaped by early relationships and experiences, both known and unknown to us. In psychodynamic therapy, we “open the lid” to explore those internal gears and notice how our “gears,” or past experiences, memories, and unconscious thoughts, work. By understanding how these hidden parts influence the “music” of our emotions and actions, we gain insight into ourselves.

Why Insight Alone Isn’t Enough

However, just knowing how the music box functions isn’t enough to change the melody. We also need to adjust how we wind it up and care for it. This is where action and behavior change come in; they are like turning the key differently or playing a new melody. Just like our minds, music boxes need occasional tune-ups to keep playing their melodies. Some music boxes from over 100 years ago still work, although their music may sound a bit off-key due to dust, rust, wear, and tear. With a correct assessment and understanding of what needs care,  we can adjust and mend the internal parts – they can then continue to play us their tunes.

How Psychiatry Supports This Process

In psychiatry, we do this as well. We use therapy and insight to explore the “dust” of past experiences and the “wear and tear” of how old patterns or untreated dis-ease impact our life. Through action – whether behavior change, medication, lifestyle adjustments – all within the context of a relationship with a provider we trust we can keep the inner music playing. By using our insights to make real changes in how we respond and behave, we can create new, more harmonious “music” in our lives. 

The Meaning Behind Praxis

The new name, Praxis Mental Health, reflects our commitment to helping you gain insight and create lasting change through action. 

Our feelings and behaviors often come from hidden parts of our minds

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