Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client's present level of functioning. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and gaining understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. In its brief form, a psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past experiences. Psychodynamic work assists the client in:

Focusing on recognizing and expressing emotions
Recognizing how we try to avoid thoughts and feelings that are distressing
Identifying recurring themes and patterns
Talking about past experience and how it “shows up” in present time
Exploring how we relate to others by identifying our “attachment style”

The therapeutic relationship is central to psychodynamic therapy. It can demonstrate how a person interacts with their friends and loved ones. In addition, transference in therapy can show how early-life relationships affect a person today. Transference is the transferring one’s feelings for a parent, for example, onto the therapist. This intimate look at interpersonal relationships can help people understand their part in relationship patterns and may empower them to transform that dynamic.