Psychodynamic therapy vs CBT

Psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both forms of “talk” therapies designed to reduce symptoms of a variety of mental health concerns. However, if you’re curious about psychodynamic therapy versus CBT, there are a few important distinctions to know. 

Psychodynamic therapy largely focuses on the underlying internal motivators and past experiences that shape our present-day feelings and behavior. CBT, however, doesn’t require a deep dive into the past or the subconscious. With CBT, relief comes when people understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. 

Learning how CBT and psychodynamic therapy compare can help you select the right treatment for your needs. But keep in mind that you don’t need to make this decision on your own. While having a baseline understanding of these modalities can be helpful, your provider can help determine the right therapy for your needs.  

Differences and similarities

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in the Freudian tradition of psychoanalysis. But it’s evolved considerably in recent years. Today, it’s often a collaborative process in which the therapist acts as a guide.

The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help people examine how their past affects their lives today. This typically involves discussing childhood experiences and uncovering the unconscious processes that may be contributing to unhelpful patterns.

CBT, on the other hand, is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses primarily on present-day challenges. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By examining these connections, you can identify the unhelpful patterns you wish to break and learn new ways of managing stress.

Psychodynamic therapy and CBT are alike in that they can treat some of the same conditions. They also have a shared goal of helping people live more balanced, fulfilling lives. 

What sets psychodynamic therapy and CBT apart is: 

• The focus on past versus present 
• The length of treatment
• The structure of sessions

We’ll explore the details of these differences below. But remember that you don’t have to know which therapy you prefer to ask for help. Therapists are skilled in helping people find the best fit for their needs, goals, and preferences.

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Which therapy is best for your condition?

It might sound simple, but the best therapy for your condition is the one that helps you the most. There’s no perfect treatment that works for everyone. But some conditions may be more likely to improve when a person accesses a specific form of care. 

Both CBT and psychodynamic therapy can be used to treat anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and other mental health concerns. CBT may be slightly more effective for treating social anxiety disorder, and psychodynamic therapy might be more appropriate for severe mental health concerns. But, in general, both CBT and psychodynamic therapy produce similar outcomes, so it’s important to choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

What will you learn from each therapy?

CBT therapists believe that by changing the way you think, you can change your feelings and behavior. CBT emphasizes the importance of uncovering, examining, and replacing unhelpful patterns. By learning how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, you can gain the insight you need to make positive change.

In psychodynamic therapy, you’ll learn how past experiences and unconscious motivations might be contributing to your present-day challenges. This approach typically requires a thorough examination of your childhood and past experiences. Unlike CBT, which focuses on building skills like problem solving and stress management, psychodynamic therapy encourages self-reflection and insight, helping you recognize recurring patterns in relationships and emotions.

Both therapies provide valuable tools for growth, and the best choice depends on your needs and preferences.

Which therapy style fits you best?

If you prefer short-term, behavior-focused therapy, you might be drawn to CBT. CBT can help you learn new coping strategies and develop skills to manage stress and solve problems in healthy ways. Many people find relief in 5 to 20 sessions of CBT. You may also be asked to complete homework exercises between sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned in session.

On the other hand, if you want to explore complex emotions and invest in therapy for a longer period of time, you may prefer psychodynamic therapy. This form of care views symptoms as indicators of underlying issues that stem from past experiences. Psychodynamic therapists believe that addressing unconscious feelings will inspire thought and behavior change.

How CBT and psychodynamic therapy can work together

In certain scenarios, CBT and psychodynamic therapy can work together to provide the best outcomes. Integrating concepts from both approaches can help people navigate short-term challenges while also addressing deeper emotional issues. 

There’s evidence to suggest that combining these modalities might be especially helpful for people living with major depressive disorder (MDD). Psychodynamic therapy may also be an effective “step-up” form of care for people who didn’t have success with CBT.

Find care with Rula

We’re fortunate to live in a time with more choices for mental healthcare than ever before. But sometimes, all those options can make it hard to know which therapy to choose. For example, maybe you’d like to try CBT to help you break some patterns and learn new coping skills. Or perhaps you’re interested in psychodynamic therapy to help you explore some underlying concerns. No matter the type of therapy you’re drawn to, help is available.

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.

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