What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy addresses the psychological roots of the client’s emotional suffering to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. We often have unconscious beliefs and feelings that contribute to our current functioning. In this approach, the therapist may help uncover the client’s emotions, thoughts, and recurring patterns stemming from early life experiences. These early adaptations or coping mechanisms often become behaviour patterns, habits, or reactions that get in the way of optimal functioning in present-day life. They can affect our relationships with others and ourselves. By identifying and understanding these responses, we bring them to awareness and are then able to change our experiences.
When is Psychodynamic Therapy Used?
This type of therapy can be effective for a variety of mental health symptoms, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Trauma and PTSD
- Personality disorders
- Stress-related physical ailments
- Physical symptoms that lack a reason
- Persistent feelings of isolation/ loneliness
- Prolonged sadness
Psychodynamic Therapy at Bloor West Therapy
At Bloor West Therapy, we often integrate psychodynamic therapy with other approaches, as best suited for the client. The benefits of psychodynamic therapy can include:- Understanding and changing self-defeating patterns
- Improving relationships with others and yourself
- Increasing confidence and self-compassion
- Better understanding and tolerating of difficult emotions
