Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
As one of the oldest of the modern therapies, psychodynamic psychotherapy helps people explore their full range of emotions including ones that they might not be aware of. It focuses on recognising and expressing feelings and exploring how individuals relate to others.
It is also known as insight-orientated therapy because it helps people understand how their moods and behaviours are influenced by unresolved issues or feelings from their past. Sometimes there are underlying mechanisms that are subconsciously motivating people’s actions, and this type of therapy can help to uncover and resolve them.
Defence Mechanisms

One topic that often emerges in psychodynamic psychotherapy is that of defence mechanisms. These are ways that people behave or think in order to protect themselves, and it often happens at the subconscious level.
Some of the primitive defence mechanisms that people might employ include:
- Denial (refusing to accept a fact or reality)
- Regression (reverting to an earlier stage of development)
- Dissociation (disconnecting from the real world)
- Acting out (resorting to extreme behaviour to express thoughts or feelings)
More mature defence mechanisms include:
- Repression (blocking thoughts or feelings that are considered unacceptable)
- Rationalisation (reframing a situation to match a changing reality)
- Displacement (redirecting thoughts or feelings toward one person and taking them out on someone else)
- Undoing (attempting to counteract the damage done by a previous hurtful behaviour)
Psychotherapy can help people recognise which defence mechanisms they employ and determine more effective ways to deal with situations instead.
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Maggie’s experience spans over 20 years helping people overcome problems so they can enjoy more fulfilling and satisfying lives.












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Frequently Asked Questions
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What Can Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Help With?
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This type of psychotherapy can be useful for those dealing with the following issues:
- Depression
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Stress-related physical ailments
- Relationship Problems
- Self-esteem
- Family problems
It can also be helpful in other situations, so clients are advised to ask a qualified therapist to determine if this type of therapy can help with their particular concern.
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What Are The Benefits Of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
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What Are the Limitations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
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What Does Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Entail?
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Quality Standards
Our hand-selected therapists have trained in the UK’s most respected counselling institutions. They hold a minimum of 8 and up to 30 years clinical experience within the NHS, private and/or charitable sectors in and around London. They are registered with: