Psychodynamic Therapy

What is psychodynamic therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy’s core principle is that the unconscious mind harbours deep-rooted feelings and memories, which affects behaviour. Psychodynamic therapists work within this model by maintaining an equal relationship with their client while also adopting the attitude of unconditional acceptance and trust.

Psychodynamic therapy is similar to psychoanalytic therapy, however, it encompasses and utilizes all of the similar analytic therapies from Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Otto Rank and Melanie Klein.

Psychodynamic therapy is also similar to psychoanalytic therapy as the focus is to bring the unconscious mind into consciousness and help individuals untangle, experience, and understand their deep-rooted feelings with a focus of ultimately resolving them. In psychodynamic therapy, especially in short-term psychodynamic therapy, the therapist is more of an active advocate of change rather than a neutral observer that is typically seen in psychoanalysis.

How does psychodynamic therapy work?

Psychodynamic therapy is also typically far less intensive as it tends to focus more on your immediate problems and offers quicker solutions than the years typically involved in psychoanalytic therapy. Ultimately, though, the goal of both therapies provide the same benefits.

The techniques used within psychodynamic therapy are similar to those of psychoanalytic therapy and include free association, therapeutic transference, and interpretation but again tends to be more focused on short-term intensive therapy.

If you are interested in exploring yourself, want to gain self-knowledge, have the capacity for self-reflection, and wish to understand why you behave the way you do, then you’ll tend to do well in psychodynamic therapy.

When is psychodynamic therapy used?

Psychodynamic therapy is useful in treating the following:

• Personality disorders
• Self esteem issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Marriage and relationship concerns
• Mental health disorders

This type of therapy may be used to treat other conditions and concerns in addition to those listed above. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment method for your individual circumstances.

You should be aware that there is no treatment method that is successful for every person. What works for you, may not work for someone else.

What to expect from therapy

Put simply, you will get out of therapy what you put into it. It’s not a magic solution that will solve all your problems. It may involve you doing some real work and being completely honest with yourself and your therapist. Sometimes facing our truth is the hardest thing of all – but from that discomfort can come healing and growth.

Insight’s therapists are available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling at several locations in Alberta. Contact us to learn more.