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 This branch of therapy is where it all started—but that doesn’t mean it’s an outdated approach.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.
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
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