What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy examines unconscious motivations and their influences on current problems. It also takes into account how childhood experiences shape adult personality. The therapist aims to interpret subconscious drives that underpin a person’s actions, expressions of feelings and thinking patterns. These patterns, often formed via childhood experiences, maintain internal (intra-personal) and external (inter-personal) conflicts. As there is an increased awareness of unconscious fears and desires, you will learn to resolve the conflicts, which in turn help you develop an increased capacity to fulfil your goals and unlock your true potential.
Psychodynamic therapy can aid with:
- Exploring the past and identifying patterns
- Working on discovering anger, acceptance and forgiveness
- Providing emotional richness
- Resolving psychic suffering
- Ego freedom
- Exploring the depth of meaning in life
- Help answer fundamental questions about oneself and existential concerns.
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
Carl Jung
Modern-day psychodynamic therapy has been adapted to our fast-paced world. It is now time-limited and outcome-focused compared to its historical origins, which could see the therapeutic relationship span several years.
A body of research supports the efficacy of psychodynamic interventions for several mental health concerns, including:
- Affective/Mood disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Personality disorders and vulnerabilities
- Eating disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Addictions
What are therapy sessions like?
The main goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help uncover and process internal conflicts that are maintaining your current problems. In therapy, you are encouraged to explore any topic freely. For example, we may discuss the current problem, past issues or social relationships. The therapist will highlight unconscious processes to help increase awareness. The internal conflicts are then challenged and processed through goal setting, validation, and action.
