The mind is like an iceberg; it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water
-Freud
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic Therapy is an umbrella term that refers to psychoanalytically-oriented therapy approaches or healing philosophies created by Freud, Jung, and their many followers. This branch of therapy is where it all started—but that doesn’t mean it’s an outdated approach. Psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and depth therapies are actually evidence-based and empirically validated, which means that research has demonstrated their effectiveness.
Smart Therapy offers four different psychodynamic approaches:
- Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
- Focuses on Freud’s approaches in particular, as developed by him and several of his followers. The role of early childhood dynamics and their impact on adult life is important in this healing approach. We’ll explore your family of origin and childhood experiences, and the way they continue to echo in your life today.
- Schema Therapy
- Is a form of therapy that integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with psychoanalytic approaches. We’ll identify the “schemas” or mental filters that are impacting your mental health and worldview. This can open up new ways of viewing yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
- Jungian & Archetypal Approaches
- Involves an exploration of personality, archetypes, and symbols of meaning that may be surfacing in your life. This approach can include dream analysis, as well as your shadow side and how it may be manifesting in either your conscious or unconscious life. Jungian approaches support you in becoming more fully yourself—a process called individuation. Jungian therapy is also evidence-based, proven effective by scientific research.
- Dream Analysis & Dream Therapy
- Explores the contents of your unconscious mind by examining dreams to “make conscious what is unconscious.” This can give you relief from symptoms as well as helping you tap into internal resources and strengths. Exploring the themes of your dreams in a therapeutic context helps you understand who you are and what you want, deepening your self-insight. Learn more about Dream Therapy here.
How Psychodynamic Therapy Works in Practice
The felt experience of Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is less about “fixing” you and more about uncovering the underlying forces shaping your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; many of which operate outside of conscious awareness. Sessions often feel like a guided exploration of your inner landscape. Through dialogue, you and your therapist follow the threads of your thoughts, dreams, body sensations, and emotions, tracing them back to their roots.
In this process, you might notice how early experiences are quietly influencing your present-day reactions: whether in relationships, at work, or in how you speak to yourself internally. By slowing down and observing these patterns, we create space for new choices, new self-understandings, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
A hallmark of psychodynamic work is the therapeutic relationship itself. The connection between you and your therapist is a powerful mirror, offering insight into how you relate to others and yourself. Moments of trust, tension, or resistance in therapy often point toward deeper themes that can be worked through together, creating opportunities for emotional repair and growth.
What does Psychodynamic Therapy treat?
Smart Therapy uses various types of psychodynamic therapy to treat:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Childhood trauma
- Relational or attachment trauma
- Insecure attachment styles
- Stress
- Performance-related concerns
- Low self-esteem
The Role of the Unconscious
Freud’s iceberg metaphor reminds us that most of our mental and emotional life exists beneath the surface of conscious thought. These hidden layers (made up of memories, unmet needs, beliefs, and symbolic imagery) often drive how we feel and act, even when we don’t fully understand why.
Psychodynamic therapy offers tools to bring the unconscious into awareness. This can happen through:
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Dream work: Exploring recurring images, archetypal figures, or emotional themes in your dreams.
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Free association: Speaking without self-editing, letting connections and memories surface naturally.
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Symbol and metaphor exploration: Recognizing how the unconscious speaks through imagery, slips of the tongue, and creative expression.
When unconscious material becomes conscious, it no longer controls you or dictates your "fate". Instead, you can engage with it directly, make meaning from it, and choose how to respond. This shift often brings relief from persistent symptoms like anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles, in part because the “why” behind your suffering is finally being illuminated.
Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength
-Freud
What are the results of Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy leads to:
- Inner child healing
- A new relationship with yourself
- Healthier attachment relationships with others
- Increased insight or knowledge about yourself
- Freedom from symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma
- More positive self-talk and higher self-esteem
- Clarity about your unconscious mind
- Deeper understanding of who you are and what you want in life
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychodynamic Therapy
How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT or other short-term therapies?
While CBT focuses on identifying and changing specific thoughts and behaviours, psychodynamic therapy looks at the deeper roots of those thoughts and behaviours. It explores the unconscious patterns, past experiences, and emotional themes that influence how you feel and respond today.
How long does psychodynamic therapy take?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people notice meaningful changes within a few months, while others choose to work at greater depth over the course of a year or more. The pace depends on your goals, the complexity of your concerns, and how deeply you want to explore.
Do I need to remember my early childhood for this to work?
Not necessarily. While early experiences can be important, psychodynamic therapy also draws from what emerges in the present—your dreams, your relationships, and your patterns of thinking or feeling. Insight often arises naturally, even without detailed childhood memories.
Can psychodynamic therapy be combined with other approaches?
Yes. Many clients benefit from blending psychodynamic therapy with other evidence-based modalities such as emotion-focused therapy, schema therapy, or brainspotting. This allows for both deep exploration and practical tools for day-to-day coping.
Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for You?
Picking the right fit therapy
Psychodynamic therapy can benefit a wide range of people: those seeking relief from distressing symptoms, as well as those who simply want a deeper understanding of themselves. It’s especially helpful if:
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You’ve tried short-term or symptom-focused approaches but still feel like “something deeper” hasn’t been addressed.
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You’re interested in exploring the “roots” of your struggles rather than only managing the surface symptoms.
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You feel drawn to self-reflection, symbolism, creativity, or exploring your personal history.
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You want to understand repeating patterns in relationships, work, or self-talk that seem difficult to change.
This approach is also valuable for people in transition: whether you’re navigating grief, relationship changes, identity shifts, or questions about meaning and purpose. Psychodynamic therapy provides both a safe container for exploration and a practical path toward lasting change, because it addresses the unconscious patterns that shape your everyday life.