What is psychodynamic therapy used for?

Psychodynamic therapy is just one of many approaches that therapists use to help bring about positive change in their clients. It focuses on examining the unconscious mind and views present-day challenges as a result of past experiences. Research shows that psychodynamic therapy can be an effective treatment for people living with a variety of mental health concerns. 

Learning more about this form of therapy can help you decide whether it might be the right fit for you.

The focus of psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy arose out of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. However, the way that it’s applied today has evolved considerably. So it’s important to keep in mind that while the terms “psychoanalytic therapy” (a form of therapy based on Freud’s theories) and “psychodynamic therapy” are sometimes used interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing. 

Unlike traditional psychoanalytic therapy (or psychoanalysis) — which typically requires multiple appointments per week for extended periods of time — psychodynamic therapy is a relatively brief form of care. It can be delivered in as few as 15 once-a-week sessions. 

Modern psychodynamic therapy focuses on promoting emotional wellness through an exploration of internal and external experiences. It takes into account how a person’s life is impacted by their relationships and environment — especially during childhood. Becoming more aware of the root causes of your behaviors can provide helpful insights that can lead to positive change.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

How psychodynamic therapy works

Psychodynamic therapy works by combining three key mechanisms:

1. The therapeutic alliance: This term refers to the relationship between the therapist and client and research suggests that it’s a critical component of change. When clients feel seen, heard, and understood, they feel more safe to explore their behavior and reexamine past experiences.
2. Affect: Psychodynamic therapists work to create a judgment-free therapeutic environment where people can express and process their emotions, especially those that have been repressed or hidden.
3. Insight: As clients begin to increase their self-awareness, they can begin to notice patterns and make connections between the past and present. These insights can help people understand their challenges in a new light.

Psychodynamic therapists leverage these three elements to help their clients:

• Express emotions
• Overcome resistance to examining distressing thoughts
• Identify recurring patterns and themes
• Examine past experiences
• Explore current relationships
• Examine the therapeutic relationship (including the presence of transference, which is when a client unconsciously directs feelings about someone else onto their therapist)
• Explore wishes and fantasies

Different types of psychodynamic therapy

There are a few different types of psychodynamic therapy, including:

• Interpersonal therapy: This brief, structured form of care focuses on relationships and social concerns as a way of improving mental health symptoms.
• Psychodynamic interpersonal therapy: This modality explores connections between past and present relationships and encourages emotional expression.
• Dynamic interpersonal therapy: This short-term therapy emphasizes identifying the unconscious patterns that are affecting a person’s relationships and causing distress.
• Cognitive analytic therapy: This technique is designed to help people identify unhelpful thought and relationship patterns and learn new ways to cope with stress.
• Mentalization-based therapy: This modality encourages people to learn to “mentalize” or reflect on their own and others’ states of mind.
• Transference-focused therapy: The goal of this form of care is to use the therapeutic relationship to help people develop a clearer and more stable view of themselves and others.

When is psychodynamic therapy used?

Psychodynamic therapy can be a good fit for people who are open to exploring their childhood, have unresolved feelings about the past, and are interested in developing a strong connection with their therapist. 

It can be especially helpful for people living with depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. There’s also evidence to suggest that it may be appropriate for people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance use disorders (SUDs), and those experiencing psychosis. However, it’s often combined with other evidence-based treatments for these conditions.

Finding the right psychodynamic therapist

If you’re interested in finding a psychodynamic therapist, keep in mind that they don’t need to be a certified psychoanalyst. But psychoanalysts typically have some training in psychoanalysis, which is closely related to psychodynamic therapy. 

When you meet with a new therapist for the first time, let them know that you’re specifically interested in working with someone who’s been trained in the psychodynamic approach. If they don’t have the experience you’re looking for, ask them if they know another provider who could better meet your needs.

Since the therapeutic relationship is such an important part of this approach, it’s also worth considering whether you feel comfortable with the therapist and their style after a few sessions. Finding the right fit can take time, but it’s an important step toward meaningful progress.

Find care with Rula

The phrase “psychodynamic therapy” often calls to mind an outdated image of a person lying on the couch as their therapist takes notes. But psychodynamic therapy has evolved considerably from its psychoanalytic origins. 

Today, it’s used to help people examine the connections between past experiences and present-day challenges. It hinges on the creation of a strong therapeutic relationship so it feels safe to process unconscious thoughts and uncomfortable emotions. While it can take many forms, modern psychodynamic therapy is used to treat depression, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions. 

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Find a therapist with Rula