William Singletary, MD
Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst
I have many years of experience working as a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with patients from 2 years of age through their 80’s. My experience with patients and my research have led me to my current understanding and approach which has enabled me to help people who have found it difficult to benefit from therapy before. Caring social connections play a major role in physical and emotional health over the lifespan. Too much felt adversity/discomfort/distress in life leads to feeling too vulnerable and to a need for protections which actually shut out what the child needs most, loving connections. Most of the children and adults with whom I work have difficulties with social connection--in forming stable caring relationships, giving and receiving love, using their capabilities, and leading lives where they feel a sense of meaning, purpose, well-being and happiness. Children often are unable to feel a sense of safety and well-being despite the considerable love provided by their parents. A major focus of my work has been on understanding how building relationships contributes to changing the brain as well as our psychological structure. Therapy helps to develop the capacity to use available love to build a caring and capable self.
Forthcoming Events and Publications
Neuropsychoanalytic Dialogues Podcast
Publication Dates to be announced
Recent Publication: Building Social Connections in Autism
Available for Pre-Order Now
Virtual Book Discussion with the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia
Coming January 2027
Dedicated to Compassionate, Results-Oriented Therapy
Over many years I have studied factors leading to physical and emotional health as well as illness. The most important of these include caring social connections, physical exercise, diet (primarily plant-based like the Mediterranean diet, stress reduction (like deep breathing and meditation) and adequate sleep. People find it most important to know that these interventions are powerfully effective and thus have more hope and a sense of agency and control in their lives and are better able to deal with the uncertainty experienced. Relatively brief consultations and counseling can help patients learn about options and develop their own plans to prevent illness or further progression of illness and to promote recovery.
