Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic treatment that primarily focuses on the interpretation of mental and emotional processes. It shares much in common with psychoanalysis and is often considered a simpler, less time consuming alternative. Like psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy seeks to reveal the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension. Psychodynamic therapy increases a client’s self-awareness and grows their understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. It allows clients to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past experiences and explore how they are manifesting themselves in current behaviors, such as the need and desire to abuse substances. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s psychodynamic therapy experts today.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

Most of my formative academic training was grounded in the principles of psychodynamic therapy which pays attention to processes as they impact current day behaviors. I use the treatment orientation in daily practice to help provide a holistic approach to the helping process.

— Sumantha Sen, Licensed Master of Social Work in New York, NY

I believe in treating the client as a whole, and considering how their past experiences may impact their present level of functioning and future goals. Insight and understanding of yourself can greatly impact the choices you make, as well as your view of the society in which we live. I hope for you to become the best, "you," that you want to become. Life can be a complicated journey, but surrounding yourself with positive peers and healthy ways of living can help ease the challenging times.

— Keith Elias -Shetland Counseling, LLC, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mountain Lakes, NJ
 

We approach therapy through a contemporary psychdynamic lens to understand what is being communicated through one's behaviors and understand how past experiences are influencing current relationships. As we form our relationships we have found that individuals develop deeper insight, aiding with a deeper understanding of themselves, and experiencing more lasting and sustainable relief.

— Jon Soileau, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kansas City, MO

Each person on staff receives training in psychodynamic psychotherapy throughout the entire time they are here inclusive of continuing education. Supervisor is a certified psychoanalyst that has completed a 4 year program in psychoanalysis.

— NYC AFFIRMATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY, Clinical Social Worker in , NY
 

I take a psychodynamic approach that explores life experiences and the meaning we assign to them in order to help client better understand their inner world. This includes identification and exploration attachment styles, childhood, adolescence, and adult experiences, hopes, dreams, and fears. The benefits of exploring and identifying these things is a better understanding one's self and why they move through life as they do. This creates space for one to make informed and healthy life choices.

— Allison Reifsteck, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL

My therapeutic orientation is rooted in depth psychology. This umbrella term covers different psychodynamic schools such as Jungian, object relations, attachment theory, and relational theory. My focus remains on the individuality of the client, their circumstances and our relationship based on trust and safety.

— Lily Robertson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

Your mind is complex and it is worth being curious about. Genuine change takes place within sincere relationships. Psychodynamic therapy helps people be able to use their willpower in ways that are productive. It also helps them learn from ways they try to help themselves that actually lead to more pain and frustration. It is supportive, honest, engaged, active, and oftentimes scary yet freeing. Research has repeatedly demonstrated it is the therapy of choice for people that want to reduce their symptoms in a lasting way.

— Reid Kessler, Psychologist in Encinitas, CA

Looking at what we see, what we think, what we feel, what is obvious, what is hidden, what is conscious, what is unconscious, what we are doing, what we did, what we want, what we don't want, talking freely and openly as comfort and trust allow in order to sort out what we are all about.

— Nancy Johnson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Wellesley Hills, MA
 

Whenever I think about therapy, I want to know about how early experiences show up in your life today. Sometimes this means that we will look at how representations of important figures in your early life show up in your current relationships. Part of our goal will be to provide experiences - both in therapy and in your life outside of therapy - that help you build new models of relating to people that are more in line with your current life goals.

— Dan Walinsky, Psychologist in Philadelphia, PA

I was trained in psychodynamic practice as a student at LMU and intern at Airport Marina Counseling Service. I enjoy integrating the depth-oriented work of psychodynamic theory with art therapy, allowing the subconscious mind to come forward in each session. Through psychodynamic interventions, I can assist you to reveal deep-seated sources of anxiety, blocks around fulfilling your base needs and instincts, and issues with sexual drive. This work often results in a stronger sense of self.

— Hannah Schaler, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
 

I utilize psychodynamic theory in my practice. Sometimes I worry that just the word of it sounds intense or old school. But in very simple terms all it really means is looking at our relationships and examining patterns of relating and living!

— Courtney Burns, Therapist in Portland, OR

Psychodynamic therapy helps to identify where you're struggling. It can help you see yourself and those around you more clearly to promote self-awareness.

— Lindsay Perry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bellaire, TX
 

Although I do not provide therapy, my treatment approach is holistic and based in CBT and psychodynamic therapies.

— Dr. Donald Smith, Psychiatrist in Northampton, MA

I love, love, love psychodynamic therapy! I have been studying and practicing psychodynamic therapy since 2016 and find it fascinating and helpful in providing us more insight as to why we are the way that we are; view the world the way we do; and perceive others the way we perceive them!

— Dr. Sasha Faust, Clinical Psychologist in San Diego, CA