Understanding Psychodynamic Therapy
Creating present safety and future freedom by untangling our past
What is Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps people draw connections between past and present experiences to better understand feelings, habits, and motivations.
It brings unconscious patterns to the surface, helping to untangle unresolved conflicts and troubling past experiences in a safe space to understand, process, and move forward.
Psychodynamic therapy encourages freedom of expression about our struggles, experiences, and whatever issues are top of mind. It offers opportunities to gain insights into our motivations and actions — when we know what’s influencing us, we can move forward from a place of greater clarity and consciousness rather than from an unconscious place. This type of therapy is generally action-oriented, focused on goal-setting and problem-solving.
Why Psychodynamic Therapy is Effective
From childhood to past relationships, our lived experiences can affect our present. Psychodynamic therapy takes a big-picture view of the mental health timeline. It sheds light on old conflicts and wounds that influence our unconscious patterns — the ways we hurt, and the ways we learned to cope. By uncovering the truths under the surface, we can gently let go of what no longer serves us, and break free from what holds us back.
Psychodynamic Therapy is ideal for people who want a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. For those who are willing to courageously explore their inner landscape with the compassionate, trusted support of a therapist, this type of therapy can offer profound insights, meaningful change, and a sense of freedom.
How Psychodynamic Therapy Works
Psychodynamic therapy brings awareness to uncomfortable feelings that you might avoid, repress, or manage in unhelpful ways. With guidance and support, you will gain the capacity and perspective to understand — and resolve — difficulties in your life. Depending on individual need, your therapist may use a number of tools and techniques, including:
Free association which encourages open, judgment-free exploration of what’s top of mind — and what’s beneath the surface.
Identifying challenging or stressful situations in your life that you want to work on.
Gaining awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about these issues.
Exploring ways of thinking that may be negative or inaccurate, contributing to your negative experience of the situation.
Reshaping your perspective, feelings, and actions to develop supportive habits and positive points of view that improve your experiences in specific situations and everyday life.
Psychodynamic therapy is comprehensive and highly tailored to each individual client. It’s based on the concept that to achieve lasting change, we have to understand the root cause of our discomfort.
What Psychodynamic Therapy Helps Address
Psychodynamic Therapy can help with both the symptoms and root causes of many personal struggles and mental health issues.
It can help address:
Depression & Anxiety
Disordered eating
Chronic pain
Panic attacks
PTSD
Personality disorders
Feelings of loneliness
Relationship issues and challenges connecting with others
The potential benefits of psychodynamic therapy can include:
Increased self-awareness including thoughts, emotions, and actions
Resolving old or unconscious conflicts
Improved self-esteem and sense of inner peace
Healthy and effective coping mechanisms
Improved relationship skills, communication, and emotional intimacy
Increased emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-regulation
Long-lasting changes based on deep shifts
Do you feel like Psychodynamic Therapy might be right for you?
Our skilled counselors are here to help you unlock your capacity for personal awareness, healing, and growth. Reach out to learn how this therapeutic approach can help you move towards the fulfilling future you deserve. Serving clients in Bozeman and via telehealth across Montana.