Dylan Lott, PhD

About Dylan

I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the limits of what can – and cannot – be said or expressed. For many of us, it is not easy to find the words to say what is most important to us, to express what we may feel or intimate – painful or pleasurable – at the limits of our experience. Grief, loss, and change challenge us to renegotiate – in our bodies, in our thoughts – earlier and similar transformations in our lives. This process stirs up emotions, thoughts, images, and bodily experiences that those around us – and often ourselves – have difficulty receiving, much less considering.

In our work together, I will attend with presence and integrity to whatever expressions of body, mind, and heart that arise; there is no need to prematurely parse and diagnose expressions fundamental to our shared human experience. From there, we will create a space in which to discover those things that enter our attention from just beyond the limits of the language we feel available to us. To speak of what has never or could never be said, we will attend to dreams, bodily experiences, fantasies, images and silences. As you speak freely about whatever enters your mind, I will listen attentively as you discover and connect the elements of your own history, desires, associations, and a genuine – even transformative – sense of humor in the service of your own psychological, spiritual, and embodied personal transformation.

I specialize in work with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with grief, loss, life-

transforming (e.g., adoption, gender discernment), and life-limiting conditions (e.g., cancer, sickle cell disease). I also welcome those in the process of spiritual discernment within (or without) any religious or spiritual tradition. I also work with those struggling with difficulties related to meditative practice or psychedelic experiences. Additionally, veterans, healthcare professionals and frontline workers find it helpful at times to talk with someone who has experience in those settings.

What I’m Like as a therapist:

My approach, grounded in Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis, is tempered and informed by my training as an anthropologist and over 25 years of experience as a massage

therapist/bodyworker in clinical and hospital settings and, most recently, as a chaplain in adult and pediatric inpatient and ER settings. Patients often find that they can bring and work through, without shame or judgement, emotions and fears and fantasies which they have had difficulty, until now, admitting to even themselves. Sometimes, they themselves are surprised by what, after a time, newly emerges in them and permits a renewed connection and engagement with the life they are creating.