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Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy can be considered a more bried, more concrete, and integrative version of psychoanalysis.


Psychodynamic therapy emphasises the importance of the unconscious, transference, and defence mechanisms for our wellbeing. It harnesses fundamental aspects of psychoanalysis and integrates them into a wider, modern psychotherapy framework without placing heavy demands on clients (e.g., therapy does not have to last for years or take place daily).


This approach explores the depths of human existence and effectively addresses issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress using classical techniques such as dream or transference analysis, while also being receptive to knowledge and practice stemming from other approaches such as CBT

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy cultivates self-awareness by exploring how past experiences influence your present and future. It helps uncover suppressed emotions and their contribution to current distress (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64952/).


For example, you might struggle with recurring relationship patterns. A psychodynamic therapist would help investigate the underlying motives behind your emotional behaviors. Perhaps your emotional unavailability stems from past attachment patterns or specific relationship dynamics. By uncovering these unconscious motivations, you can improve emotional responsiveness and break unhelpful relationship cycles.


The therapy embraces potentially challenging personality aspects, approaching them non-judgmentally and curiously. This approach allows understanding of complex emotions like aggression, envy, and egoism, ultimately creating space for more empowering personal growth.


Psychodynamic Therapy vs Psychoanalysis

  • Key differences from traditional psychoanalysis:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy (PT) vs CBT

    • More fluid and less structured

    • Focuses more on past experiences

    • Explores deeper unconscious conflicts

    • Less specific, more insight-oriented goals

    • Therapists are less prescriptive

Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques


Uncovering Defence Mechanisms

Defence mechanisms protect us from painful emotions, but can become problematic when used rigidly. Two common mechanisms include:


Denial

Denial involves avoiding acknowledgment of difficult realities. Example: After a breakup, saying "I don't care" shields you from complex emotions. While seemingly helpful short-term, it prevents addressing underlying issues and can delay seeking necessary help.


Displacement

Redirecting feelings from one person to another. Examples include road rage or lashing out at unrelated individuals due to unexpressed emotions. This short-term protection ultimately prevents healthy emotional processing.


Transference Analysis

Transference occurs when past relationship patterns are unconsciously transferred to current interactions. In therapy, analyzing these patterns can help break unhelpful relational cycles.


Dream Analysis

Dreams provide insights into the unconscious. As Freud noted, they're a "royal road to the unconscious", offering rich opportunities for psychological exploration.


Analysis of the Past

Exploring significant past events helps understand current psychological challenges. For instance, childhood experiences of emotional unavailability might explain current relationship difficulties.


How Effective is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is an effective approach recommended by NICE

(https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/ifp/chapter/treatments-for-mild-to-moderate-depression), helping treat various issues like depression, anxiety, and personality disorders (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26281018/).


What Issues can Psychodynamic Therapy Help With?

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Panic

  • Stress-related issues

  • Substance use

  • Personality disorders

  • Traumas

  • Relationship issues

Online Psychodynamic Therapy

Online therapy is an effective treatment method, functioning as both a standalone and supplementary approach to traditional therapy.


When to Start Psychodynamic Therapy

Start when psychological struggles prevent you from living a fulfilling life, affecting professional, intimate, and social spheres.


Advantages of Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Improving self-insight

  • Breaking unhelpful defence mechanisms

  • Deepening interpersonal understanding

  • Enhancing emotional openness and confidence

Duration

Typically lasting 20-25 sessions, with potential for longer work for more complex issues.


Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for You?

Ideal for:

  • Open-minded individuals

  • Those finding other therapies unhelpful

  • Artistically inclined people

Particularly suitable if you:

  • Experience recurring relationship patterns

  • Struggle with emotional expression

  • Make self-defeating decisions

  • Feel unfulfilled

  • Have unresolved past issues

Common Myths

It's Not Obscure

Concepts like unconscious and defence mechanisms are used across therapeutic approaches, just under different names.


It's More Than Psychoanalysis

While stemming from psychoanalysis, it's more focused, briefer, and integrative.


It's Not Just About Dreams

While unconscious analysis is important, therapists use multiple techniques tailored to individual needs.


At Expert Therapy our highly experienced therapists can talk to you about what you're experiencing and whether psychodynamic therapy would be a good fit for you. Book your in-depth assessment today.


Expert Therapy - take the guesswork out of finding the right therapist.



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