THERAPY TYPES
Psychodynamic Therapy
Discover how your past shapes your present.
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that our past experiences, especially in childhood, have a powerful influence on our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this form of therapy, we explore the unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts that might be affecting how you live today. By understanding how these deeper forces shape your actions, you can begin to uncover and heal emotional wounds that have been carried forward. The goal is to gain insight into the root causes of your struggles, so you can make lasting changes and build healthier relationships with yourself and others.
What's different about Psychodynamic Therapy?
UNCOVER THE ROOT CAUSES
Instead of just managing symptoms, psychodynamic therapy helps you explore the deeper emotional issues that may be affecting your life.
GAIN DEEPER EMOTIONAL INSIGHT
Don't just talk through problems-understand the emotional underpinnings of your behavior and explore unresolved conflicts from your past that influence your present.
UNDERSTAND YOUR PATTERNS
If you find yourself stuck in the same struggles or relationships, this therapy can help you uncover why these patterns keep happening.
DEVELOP SELF-AWARENESS
Focus on increasing self-awareness and emotional insight as a pathway to change, instead of directly on problem-solving and symptom relief.
UNDERSTAND DEFENSE MECHANISMS
Instead of learning coping strategies, identify and understand the defense mechanisms you may use to protect yourself from uncomfortable emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SESSION LOOK LIKE?
Sessions typically involve open-ended conversation where you’re encouraged to explore your thoughts, emotions, memories, and dreams. The therapist helps you notice patterns, explore their origins, and understand how they affect your current life. The relationship between you and your therapist is also a key part of the process—it often mirrors other important relationships and can be a space for healing and insight.
HOW LONG DOES PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY LAST?
Psychodynamic therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and goals. Some people attend for a few months to work on a specific issue, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns over time. The pace is personalized and collaborative.
IS IT THE SAME AS PSYCHOANALYSIS?
Psychodynamic therapy is based on psychoanalytic principles but is usually more focused and time-limited. Psychoanalysis tends to be more intensive (often multiple sessions per week), involves lying on a couch, and is more interpretive. Psychodynamic therapy is a modern, more flexible adaptation that still values insight, the unconscious, and the therapeutic relationship.
CAN IT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER METHODS?
Yes. Many therapists integrate psychodynamic principles with other modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, EMDR, or somatic approaches. This integrative approach allows the therapy to be personalized to your specific goals and needs.
CAN I DO PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY ONLINE?
Absolutely! Visit our Telehealth page for more information.
