What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy explores how unconscious processes and past experiences influence current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It evolved from psychoanalysis but is less intensive (weekly sessions vs. multiple times per week).
The goal is insight: understanding why you do what you do, especially patterns that cause problems. Once you understand these patterns, you can make different choices.
Core Concepts
- Unconscious influence: Much of our behavior is driven by feelings and motivations we're not aware of
- Early relationships: Patterns from childhood relationships often replay in adult life
- Defense mechanisms: Ways we protect ourselves from painful emotions (denial, projection, rationalization)
- Transference: How feelings about past relationships get projected onto the therapist
What Sessions Look Like
Unlike CBT's structured approach, psychodynamic therapy is more open-ended. You might talk about whatever comes to mind, explore dreams, or discuss your relationship with the therapist as a window into other relationships.
The therapist helps you notice patterns, make connections, and understand the meaning behind your experiences. There's less homework and more reflection.
Who Benefits
- People who keep repeating unhelpful patterns
- Relationship difficulties
- Identity and self-esteem issues
- Chronic depression or anxiety
- Those wanting deeper self-understanding
- People who've tried CBT and wanted something different
Psychodynamic vs CBT
| Aspect | Psychodynamic | CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Past, unconscious | Present, conscious |
| Structure | Open-ended | Structured, agenda |
| Duration | Months-years | 12-20 sessions typical |
| Homework | Minimal | Central to treatment |
| Goal | Insight, self-understanding | Symptom reduction, skills |
Neither is inherently "better"—they serve different purposes. Some people benefit from both at different times.