Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic trend that assumes that the cause of a person’s emotional and mental problems is hidden in the subconscious. For this reason, it focuses on reaching repressed thoughts and needs. This method works well when working with people who experience various disorders. At the same time, it is a good proposition for anyone who wants to understand themselves better.
The most important assumptions of psychodynamic therapy
In psychodynamic therapy, we focus on working with unconscious mechanisms, mental processes and internal conflicts. They largely influence our behavior, emotions, relationships and the decisions we make.
According to classical psychoanalytic theory, internal conflicts arise from the contradiction between three structures of the psyche:
- id – the most primal part, related to drives and the pursuit of pleasure,
- the superego – an internal system of moral norms and principles,
- ego – a structure that tries to reconcile the needs of the id with the requirements of the superego.
When the tension between these elements of the personality becomes too strong, fear, guilt or internal conflicts may appear.
The psychodynamic trend also emphasizes the importance of the past, and above all early childhood. Relationships with caregivers shape future patterns of behavior in relationships with other people.
What is psychodynamic psychotherapy? Key tools
Psychodynamic therapy – like other therapeutic currents – takes the form of a conversation. Meetings usually take place once a week, usually for several months or years.
Popular tools that we use in the psychodynamic trend are:
- Dream analysis – dreams are the gateway to the subconscious, because in dream visions everything that has been repressed from consciousness is revealed. During such an analysis, the patient tells his dreams, and the therapist helps him interpret them.
- Free associations – this is another method that allows you to reveal hidden thoughts and desires. The psychotherapist encourages the client to speak their thoughts out loud without censoring the words.
- Analysis of transference – i.e. one of the defense mechanisms. Transference is when the patient unconsciously transfers emotions and behaviors from their past relationships to the therapist.
- Analysis of resistance – i.e. the second of the defense mechanisms that often occur during therapy. Resistance means that the patient avoids confronting difficult emotions and memories by remaining silent, leaving the session, or changing the subject of the conversation.
- Exploring childhood – the therapist encourages the patient to talk about memories from their youngest years. Childhood experiences play a key role in shaping an adult personality.
Who is psychodynamic therapy for?
Psychodynamic therapy has a wide range of applications. It brings very good results when working with people experiencing such problems as:
- personality disorders, including borderline, narcissistic, avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality,
- eating disorders, e.g. bulimia, compulsive overeating or anorexia,
- anxiety disorders, m.in. generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, phobias or PTSD,
- depression and other mood disorders,
- recurring relational problems,
- behavioral addictions and addictions to psychoactive substances,
- low self-esteem,
- aggression and self-aggression.
What is more, psychodynamic therapy is sometimes attended by people who do not experience mental and emotional disorders, but want to better understand their own emotions.
History of psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy originates from psychoanalysis, which was created by Sigmund Freud at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Freud’s successors developed and modified his theories, which is why a new therapeutic trend developed over time, better adapted to the needs of people using therapy.
Classical psychoanalysis is very intense – sessions take place several times a week, often for five years or more, and the patient lies on a couch during them. In psychodynamic therapy, meetings are usually held once a week, and the therapist and client sit opposite each other. The psychotherapist plays a more active role here, and the conversations focus on current difficulties.
Summary – what is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic trend focused on the human unconscious. It is in it that thoughts, emotions and conflicts are hidden, which cause mental problems and emotional suffering. To reach what has been repressed from consciousness, we use m.in. dream analysis. At the same time, we explore childhood, because the experiences of the early years strongly influence adult life. This method of therapy has a wide range of applications and allows for the effective treatment of many mental disorders.
