Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

• It explores a person’s entire range of emotions.
• It helps people recognise patterns in behaviour and discern their significance.
• It can help individuals find healthier ways to deal with their problems.
• It has the power to help people with complex or very deep-seated issues.
• It can help people have more satisfying relationships.
• It can bring about an increased understanding of oneself and other people.
• It can improve people’s ability to face hardships and issues.

According to research published by the American Psychological Association these benefits endure and increase over time.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy doesn’t offer a programme of proactive strategies or exercises that can be adopted to facilitate change but focuses on facilitating the clients ability to find their own way through relational, verbal and emotional exploration. Some clients who prefer a more proactive approach from their psychotherapist can find this element frustrating and not for them. Such individuals might prefer a more integrative psychotherapy which includes more active therapies when helpful, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or solution focussed therapy.

Although individual plans might vary, this therapy typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions. The client is encouraged to talk freely, and the therapist helps him or her to put his feelings into words and looks for patterns in his thoughts and behaviour. The patient will eventually develop a better awareness of his inner world and its influence on his past and present relationships, which can help him to understand and resolve certain issues he is facing. The therapy might end after 16 to 20 weeks, or it could go on for years depending on the complexity of the issue at hand.