WHAT IS PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY?
Psychodynamic therapy, often abbreviated PDT, offers a deeper understanding of psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and sustainable form of treatment. Central to PDT is the realization that psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression have a deeper meaning and are possible to understand. These symptoms often occur when previously functioning ways of dealing with emotions and relationships are insufficient.
Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy
PDT is a form of treatment with long-lasting results. Research has shown that individuals continue to develop psychologically even after therapy ends, as they gain access to inner tools for continued personal growth.
Many who have previously undergone CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and feel the need to deepen their self-awareness and their work with themselves often choose psychodynamic therapy (PDT). This form of therapy offers a deeper understanding of one’s inner life and underlying emotions and a place to explore who one is.
Theoretical Foundations
It is an umbrella concept in which many theories interact to create an understanding of the human situation and her relationships with herself, others, and the world.
Object relations theory
Attachment theory
Psychoanalytic theory
Personality theory
Affect theory
Relational theory
Mentalization theory
Humanistic psychology
What distinguishes PDT from CBT is the view of the human beings’ internal world as dynamic and ever-changing. Internal conflicts can arise through tensions between different desires, motives, and drives, and these processes can be both conscious and unconscious. In therapy, we work to understand and give meaning to these inner events.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYMPTOMS
In psychodynamic therapy, we examine psychological symptoms’ deeper meaning and significance. We analyze the context, patterns, motives, and driving forces behind these symptoms. The central idea is that our thoughts and feelings are often unconscious and that we use psychological defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from inner conflicts and pain, which can include complex emotions such as inferiority, anger, and sadness.
EXPLORATION OF THE INNER LIFE
Psychodynamic therapy allows you to talk openly and freely about your difficulties, both from your past and in your present life. We often carry early relationship patterns with us throughout life, and within the framework of the therapeutic relationship, you can explore your thoughts and feelings to understand yourself better, identify patterns, and understand how problems have arisen. This can lead to a process of personal change and development.
RELATIONAL
Psychodynamic therapy places great emphasis on relationships in the person's current life and those from the past. By exploring these relationships, the therapist and patient can discover patterns and dynamics that may be influencing current behavior, thoughts, and feelings together.
INSIGHT
The therapy is focused on self-understanding. It is the ability to reflect on and understand one's behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. This means becoming aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses, inner conflicts, values, and desires.