What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy? (And How Can It Help?)
When people hear the word “therapy,” they often think of talking about their feelings or learning coping tools. And while that can be part of it, psychodynamic therapy goes a little deeper. It’s a type of therapy that helps you understand why you feel and act the way you do—especially when those patterns keep showing up, even when you don’t want them to.
You might think of it as getting curious about the story behind the story.
So, what is psychodynamic therapy?
At its core, psychodynamic therapy is about helping you make sense of your inner world. It looks at how your past experiences—especially early relationships—have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to others, and respond to stress.
It’s based on the idea that not everything we do or feel is fully conscious. Sometimes, we repeat patterns that we don’t fully understand until we slow down and explore them. Psychodynamic therapy gives you the space to do just that.
How is it different from other types of therapy?
Where some approaches focus mostly on changing thoughts or behaviors, psychodynamic therapy is more focused on understanding what’s underneath them. Instead of jumping straight to solutions, we spend time getting curious:
What emotions come up in certain situations?
What do those feelings remind you of?
Are there themes or patterns that repeat in your relationships?
What parts of yourself have you had to hide or push away?
This kind of exploration often leads to real, lasting change—not just in how you cope, but in how you feel about yourself and how you experience your life.
What does it feel like to be in psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy isn’t a quick fix—but it is powerful. You might notice yourself becoming more reflective, more aware of your emotional reactions, and more compassionate with yourself.
The relationship with your therapist is also a big part of the work. It's not a one-sided or clinical experience; it’s a real, human connection that can serve as a space for healing. As you talk, your therapist might notice themes or help you connect dots between your past and present in a way that brings clarity and relief.
Addressing common questions and myths:
Do I have to lay on the couch? No, but you certainly can if that feels right for you. Some people do, and some people sit up and face the therapist. Psychodynamic therapy is also just as effective virtually as it is in person.
How many times a week does psychodynamic therapy take place? Most individuals start with sessions once a week, unless you know you want to do psychoanalysis, which typically requires sessions to take place two-three times per week.
Is psychotherapy all about blaming the parents? This is a common misconception. Psychodynamic therapy does place an emphasis on early relationships, but not in an effort to assert blame on parents, and more in an attempt to understand how our families greatly influence our self-perception.
How come you don’t practice CBT? Don’t get me wrong, CBT is great for addressing concerns on a short term basis, but psychodynamic therapy focuses on deeper work that results in long lasting change.
Will I have to do homework? No, but you will begin to get into the practice of observing yourself and noticing recurring themes, patterns, and behaviors.
How long will I be in therapy? That all depends on your goals, and can be discussed in your first session.
If you are curious and want to learn more, reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.
