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Define psychodynamic therapy


Definition, approach, focus, and more

Psychodynamic therapy can help people improve their quality of life by helping them gain a better understanding of the way they think and feel. The idea is that this will improve their ability to make choices, relate to others, and forge the kind of life they would like to live.

When most people think of therapy, the thoughts and images that come to mind tend to be those related to psychodynamic therapy. This is because psychodynamic therapy is based on the work of Sigmund Freud, who many people know as the “father of psychoanalysis.”

Although the American Psychological Association identify five general categories of therapy — with many more subtypes — most types have roots that are traceable to Freud’s groundbreaking work.

Keep reading to learn more about psychodynamic therapy, including its origins, how it works, and its potential benefits.

Psychodynamic therapy is a talking therapy. This means that it is based on the concept that talking about problems can help people learn and develop the skills they need to address them.

It is an approach that embraces the multifaceted aspects of an individual’s life. It strives to help people understand the sometimes unknown or unconscious motivations behind difficult feelings and behaviors.

Having this insight can lead to symptom relief, help people feel better, and allow them to make better choices.

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the following key principles:

  • Unconscious motivations — such as social pressure, biology, and psychology — can affect behavior.
  • Experience shapes personality, which can, in return, affect an individual’s response to that experience.
  • Past experiences affect the present.
  • Developing insight and emotional understanding can help individuals with psychological issues.
  • Expanding the range of choices and improving personal relationships can help people address their problems.
  • Freeing themselves from their pasts can help people live better in the future.

Transference and countertransference are also important. With this approach, the client will transfer their feelings toward someone onto the therapist, and the therapist will redirect these feelings back toward the client. It can take place without the client’s awareness, and many therapists have varying approaches to this concept.

In psychodynamic therapy, the relationship between the therapist and the client is very important. It provides a container in which people can gain insights into themselves, their pasts, and their feelings. They can develop a better understanding of how they see the world and the ways in which all these factors affect their experiences.

With the help of a therapist, people undergoing psychodynamic therapy will work to understand their feelings, beliefs, and childhood experiences. The goal is to help people recognize self-defeating patterns, explore new ways of being in the world, and help people feel better.

A psychodynamic approach to therapy can work with individuals, couples, families, and in group therapy situations.

Because its focus tends to be on relationships and understanding thoughts and feelings, which people may have avoided confronting, psychodynamic therapy can be time consuming.

Short-term psychodynamic therapy generally lasts for 25–30 sessions over a period of 6–8 months, while long-term psychodynamic therapy — according to one study — may last for longer than a year or span more than 50 sessions.

Psychodynamic therapy grew out of the theories of Sigmund Freud. However, it has evolved considerably from the 19th-century model.

Early leaders in the field who contributed to the development of this approach include Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, and Anna Freud.

In its earlier stages, therapy could last for years, with a person even having several therapy sessions per week.

Practitioners typically had a medical background and a paternalistic approach.

Measuring the impact of treatment for psychological issues can be complicated. That said, there is evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy works for the following conditions:

  • Depression: Studies indicate that it can help people address recurring life patterns that play a part in their depression.
  • Social anxiety, social phobia, and panic disorder: Studies have found promising results and improved remission.
  • Anorexia nervosa: Strong evidence suggests that it promotes recovery from anorexia nervosa.
  • Pain: Unexplained chronic and abdominal pain respond well to this therapy, data suggest.
  • Borderline personality disorder: Studies have found structured, integrated, and supervised treatment to be effective.
  • Psychopathological issues in children and adolescents: Researchers have found psychodynamic treatment to be effective overall in reducing symptoms of psychopathological issues in children aged 6–18 years.

Experts report that psychodynamic therapy can also improve people’s lives by helping them:

  • strengthen their self-understanding to break self-defeating cycles
  • address issues with avoidance
  • improve their understanding of relationship dynamics

One of the most intriguing benefits of psychodynamic therapy, according to multiple studies, is that they keep on coming.

What this means is that individuals who undergo this kind of treatment continue to show improvement months after they complete it.

Although there is variety in the results, most studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be roughly as effective as two of the most common other forms of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

CBT

CBT is a popular form of therapy that focuses on helping people adopt healthier ways of thinking and acting by enhancing their awareness of their choices.

Medication

Antidepressants and other medications have proven effective in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

Anyone who thinks that they may be experiencing a mental health condition should speak to a doctor to determine which type of antidepressant is most suitable for them.

Although psychodynamic therapy can be an effective form of treatment for many mental health conditions, the researchers behind one report found that it may be less effective for the following conditions:

  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • drug addiction
  • psychosis

Psychodynamic therapy can still be effective for PTSD in some cases, though there is no strong evidence for this.

That said, this same report points out that results from many of the studies into various treatments for mental health conditions tend to lean toward the author’s “theoretical orientation,” or to coincide with the author’s affiliation.

Therefore, the researchers call for more systematic evidence around these treatments. They also highlight the fact that the effectiveness of psychodynamic treatment can greatly depend on the psychiatrist themselves.

Overall, it is clear that more studies into various forms of psychotherapy are necessary. This will help determine which type might be best suited for which individuals and which psychiatric conditions.

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talking therapy that has proven effective in helping people dealing with depression, anxiety, pain, and relationship issues.

This treatment approach helps people see what is behind their problems by giving them a better understanding of their unconscious feelings, thoughts, and past experiences.

Developing these psychological skills helps people make better choices and feel better in the long-term.

Definition, approach, focus, and more

Psychodynamic therapy can help people improve their quality of life by helping them gain a better understanding of the way they think and feel. The idea is that this will improve their ability to make choices, relate to others, and forge the kind of life they would like to live.

When most people think of therapy, the thoughts and images that come to mind tend to be those related to psychodynamic therapy. This is because psychodynamic therapy is based on the work of Sigmund Freud, who many people know as the “father of psychoanalysis.”

Although the American Psychological Association identify five general categories of therapy — with many more subtypes — most types have roots that are traceable to Freud’s groundbreaking work.

Keep reading to learn more about psychodynamic therapy, including its origins, how it works, and its potential benefits.

Psychodynamic therapy is a talking therapy. This means that it is based on the concept that talking about problems can help people learn and develop the skills they need to address them.

It is an approach that embraces the multifaceted aspects of an individual’s life. It strives to help people understand the sometimes unknown or unconscious motivations behind difficult feelings and behaviors.

Having this insight can lead to symptom relief, help people feel better, and allow them to make better choices.

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the following key principles:

  • Unconscious motivations — such as social pressure, biology, and psychology — can affect behavior.
  • Experience shapes personality, which can, in return, affect an individual’s response to that experience.
  • Past experiences affect the present.
  • Developing insight and emotional understanding can help individuals with psychological issues.
  • Expanding the range of choices and improving personal relationships can help people address their problems.
  • Freeing themselves from their pasts can help people live better in the future.

Transference and countertransference are also important. With this approach, the client will transfer their feelings toward someone onto the therapist, and the therapist will redirect these feelings back toward the client. It can take place without the client’s awareness, and many therapists have varying approaches to this concept.

In psychodynamic therapy, the relationship between the therapist and the client is very important. It provides a container in which people can gain insights into themselves, their pasts, and their feelings. They can develop a better understanding of how they see the world and the ways in which all these factors affect their experiences.

With the help of a therapist, people undergoing psychodynamic therapy will work to understand their feelings, beliefs, and childhood experiences. The goal is to help people recognize self-defeating patterns, explore new ways of being in the world, and help people feel better.

A psychodynamic approach to therapy can work with individuals, couples, families, and in group therapy situations.

Because its focus tends to be on relationships and understanding thoughts and feelings, which people may have avoided confronting, psychodynamic therapy can be time consuming.

Short-term psychodynamic therapy generally lasts for 25–30 sessions over a period of 6–8 months, while long-term psychodynamic therapy — according to one study — may last for longer than a year or span more than 50 sessions.

Psychodynamic therapy grew out of the theories of Sigmund Freud. However, it has evolved considerably from the 19th-century model.

Early leaders in the field who contributed to the development of this approach include Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, and Anna Freud.

In its earlier stages, therapy could last for years, with a person even having several therapy sessions per week.

Practitioners typically had a medical background and a paternalistic approach.

Measuring the impact of treatment for psychological issues can be complicated. That said, there is evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy works for the following conditions:

  • Depression: Studies indicate that it can help people address recurring life patterns that play a part in their depression.
  • Social anxiety, social phobia, and panic disorder: Studies have found promising results and improved remission.
  • Anorexia nervosa: Strong evidence suggests that it promotes recovery from anorexia nervosa.
  • Pain: Unexplained chronic and abdominal pain respond well to this therapy, data suggest.
  • Borderline personality disorder: Studies have found structured, integrated, and supervised treatment to be effective.
  • Psychopathological issues in children and adolescents: Researchers have found psychodynamic treatment to be effective overall in reducing symptoms of psychopathological issues in children aged 6–18 years.

Experts report that psychodynamic therapy can also improve people’s lives by helping them:

  • strengthen their self-understanding to break self-defeating cycles
  • address issues with avoidance
  • improve their understanding of relationship dynamics

One of the most intriguing benefits of psychodynamic therapy, according to multiple studies, is that they keep on coming.

What this means is that individuals who undergo this kind of treatment continue to show improvement months after they complete it.

Although there is variety in the results, most studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be roughly as effective as two of the most common other forms of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

CBT

CBT is a popular form of therapy that focuses on helping people adopt healthier ways of thinking and acting by enhancing their awareness of their choices.

Medication

Antidepressants and other medications have proven effective in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

Anyone who thinks that they may be experiencing a mental health condition should speak to a doctor to determine which type of antidepressant is most suitable for them.

Although psychodynamic therapy can be an effective form of treatment for many mental health conditions, the researchers behind one report found that it may be less effective for the following conditions:

  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • drug addiction
  • psychosis

Psychodynamic therapy can still be effective for PTSD in some cases, though there is no strong evidence for this.

That said, this same report points out that results from many of the studies into various treatments for mental health conditions tend to lean toward the author’s “theoretical orientation,” or to coincide with the author’s affiliation.

Therefore, the researchers call for more systematic evidence around these treatments. They also highlight the fact that the effectiveness of psychodynamic treatment can greatly depend on the psychiatrist themselves.

Overall, it is clear that more studies into various forms of psychotherapy are necessary. This will help determine which type might be best suited for which individuals and which psychiatric conditions.

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talking therapy that has proven effective in helping people dealing with depression, anxiety, pain, and relationship issues.

This treatment approach helps people see what is behind their problems by giving them a better understanding of their unconscious feelings, thoughts, and past experiences.

Developing these psychological skills helps people make better choices and feel better in the long-term.

Classical and Jungian method of psychotherapy

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Psychodynamic approaches - all areas of therapy based on the theory of psychoanalysis and work with deep mental phenomena.
Let's start diving into the world of the unconscious with classical and Jungian psychoanalysis.

alter

DESTINATION GUIDE

Contents

1. Is psychoanalysis about the Oedipus complex?

2. Sigmund Freud - the first healer of souls

3. Terms and concepts of psychoanalysis

4. Psychoanalytic theory

5. Course of session and technique

6. Jungian psychoanalysis

7. Techniques of Jungian psychoanalysis

8. Requests and conditions, duration of psychoanalysis course

9. Case study

10. What to read?

Is psychoanalysis about the Oedipus complex? nine0005

Psychodynamic approaches assume that everything that happens in the human psyche is the result of how its deep unconscious forces interact: our drives, past experiences, beliefs and norms introduced by society, culture and family. Their interaction is not static, but dynamic, that is, changeable. The identification of these influences, awareness and work with them can lead to an improvement in the client's condition, positive changes in the work of the psyche.

The founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, considered psychosexuality and the psychic conflicts associated with it to be the driving force behind mental dynamics. Therefore, for many, Freudian psychoanalysis is associated with the Oedipus complex and the Electra complex - the attraction of a child to a parent of the opposite sex, or with the theory of psychosexual stages, which suggests that sexuality is inherent in a child from a very early age. In modern psychoanalysis, these concepts have undergone significant changes. At the same time, a significant part of Freud's theoretical developments, which have received an evidence-based basis, is actively used. nine0005

Sigmund Freud - the first healer of souls

Sigmund Freud was the first researcher who looked into the depths of the human psyche and tried to analyze its processes that had not previously fallen into the field of view of science. In the 1880s, Freud worked as a neurologist in Vienna and Paris, practicing under the guidance of such eminent doctors as Ernst Brücke, Joseph Breuer, Jean-Marais Charcot. Freud dealt with the problems of so-called hysteria (an outdated diagnosis no longer used in medicine) - a disorder of well-being in women, which manifested itself in the form of emotional outbursts and psychotic behavior. He was interested in the fact that not all manifestations of the disease had a physiological basis. In the book "Studies in Hysteria" (1895) he stated the hypothesis: hysterical reactions are based on unpleasant memories or thoughts related to the sexual sphere.

“Hysteria was one of the main ailments that afflicted ladies from the highest circles at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Society required women to hold themselves to high moral standards. At the same time, openness increased: men had access to pornography, prostitution, they liked it. A woman had to remain a decent wife and mother, but at the same time she wanted to be desired by her husband. This caused severe mental stress - and, as its manifestation, the symptoms of hysteria. Freud examined many cases of hysteria and concluded that their main cause was repressed sexuality. He worked with these wealthy women, helped them. This gave him the financial opportunity to develop his theories, his works. At the same time, it made him the first consulting therapist, the first healer of souls.” nine0005

Varvara Negriy, psychoanalyst, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University. Lomonosov

In 1900 Freud published the monograph "The Interpretation of Dreams". In it, he described his topographic model of the psyche, which includes consciousness, the preconscious and the unconscious. The topographic model suggested that sexual desires are forced into the unconscious by the pressure of social prohibitions. From the unconscious, they can manifest themselves through symbolic dreams. nine0003

At the same time, a circle of followers began to form around Freud, from which the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society was later formed. For many years he pursued a tough ideological policy within the organization, not allowing its members to deviate from the theoretical system approved by him. In different years, Alfred Adler and Carl Jung left the society, who managed to establish their own powerful analytical currents.

Terms and concepts of psychoanalysis

The structural model of the mind was described by Freud in 1923 and was a development of his earlier topographical model.

It, or Id

The unconscious area of ​​the psyche, in which all unconscious human desires are rooted, as well as the two main psychodynamic forces: Eros (life drive) and Thanatos (death drive).

Ego, or I

The conscious part of the personality, which is in contact with reality and the physical world and manifests itself depending on its stimuli. nine0003

Superego, or Superego

Personal component responsible for moral values, ideals, ethical attitudes, inspiration and intuition.

“It is often thought that only the negative accumulates in the unconscious. Not really. It can be the simplest desires, both good and bad. Your desire to eat ice cream is also there. It's just that it's more accessible, it goes into the category of ego more easily. When the unconscious says "I want ice cream", this is brought to some kind of judgment by the Super-I, which, from the point of view of universal human values, determines whether it can be encouraged or not. And if the unconscious says "I want to kill"? Then the questions begin. Our defense mechanisms are concentrated in the Super-I, in the case of such unbridled aggression, the Super-I can resort to the mechanism of sublimation: thus, a person can become a doctor and realize his bloodlust every time he performs an operation. nine0005

Varvara Negriy, psychoanalyst, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University. Lomonosov

In a situation of mental stress, psychological defense mechanisms are activated - unconscious mental processes that reduce negative experiences and a traumatic effect. Freud introduced the term psychological defense mechanism in his work "Defensive neuropsychoses" (1894).

Repression

Displacement of "wrong" drives and emotions into the unconscious. Repressed emotions can manifest themselves in the form of reservations, dreams. nine0003

Substitution (or displacement)

Redirection of energy (anger, libido) to a safe object.

Rationalization

Search for a rational explanation for an act committed under the influence of a momentary impulse or unconscious motivation.

Regression

Return to childish forms of behavior in situations of stress or overload.

Sublimation

The direction of inner tension, negative emotions, forbidden desires into creativity or work. nine0005

In total, more than 30 types of defense mechanisms are known to modern psychology.

Psychoanalytic theory and evidence-based research

Not all of Freud's theoretical propositions have been confirmed by the results of scientific research. The following ideas, which are the basis of modern psychoanalysis, have received serious scientific support from numerous studies and meta-analyses:

Unconscious processes affect our behavior

We perceive and process much more information than we realize. Much of our behavior is determined by feelings and motives that we are at best only partially aware of. The influence of the unconscious is so convincingly evidenced that it has become one of the central elements of modern cognitive and social psychology.

We use defense mechanisms

Defense mechanisms help psychological adaptation and maintain our physical health. At the same time, each person has their own “protection style”. Some mechanisms are more useful than others: thus, rationalization and sublimation are more useful than suppression. And denial is literally unhealthy: people who use it tend to ignore worrying symptoms and neglect treatment of illnesses. nine0003

Images of parents can influence our relationships

Dozens of studies have shown that images of parents and other significant figures in our lives do shape expectations about friendships and romantic relationships. The idea that we choose a partner who looks like mom or dad is a myth. However, we do unconsciously gravitate towards building partnerships similar to our relationship with our parents in early childhood.

The theory of classical psychoanalysis has evolved significantly during the 20th and early 21st centuries. Today it is one of the most detailed and researched psychological concepts. nine0005

This material of thoughts, which the patient does not appreciate and rejects, is an ore for the analyst, from which, with the help of a simple art of interpretation, he can extract the precious metal
- S. Freud psychoanalysis takes place in a conversational format. All techniques used by analysts are aimed at extracting unconscious material to the level of consciousness and working through it. Here are some of them:

Free association method

The therapist asks the client to vocalize everything that pops into his mind, without thinking about the wording and coherence of speech. Statements can be absurd, random: in this case, they reflect what is happening in the unconscious.

Interpretations of dreams

During sleep, the defense mechanisms of the ego are weakened, which reveals the contents of the unconscious in the form of images. The analysis of recurring or vividly remembered dreams can play an important role in the psychoanalytic process. nine0003

Interpretation

After working together, the psychoanalyst explains to the client the essence of his unconscious conflict. Interpretation includes three stages: designating the conflict, clarifying and applying new knowledge to the client's daily life.

Analysis of resistance

The psychoanalyst discusses with the client the mechanisms that prevent them from working together with the unconscious. Resistance refers to all conscious or unconscious actions of the client that interfere with the course of the analysis. nine0003

Analysis of the transference

Transference refers to the client's projection of a figure from the past and his reactions to another person. In the therapeutic process, this person often becomes the psychoanalyst himself, which can provide important insights into the course of therapy. Transference analysis helps the client become aware of their projection and the emotions behind it.

Jungian psychoanalysis

In 1914, one of Freud's closest associates and students, Carl Jung, left the International Psychoanalytic Association and stopped practicing Freudian psychoanalysis. nine0003

There were several reasons for this. First, Jung refused to consider sexual repression and substitution as the central concept of psychoanalysis. The views of the two analysts on dreams were also divided: Freud saw in dreams only projections of repressed sexual desires, while Jung believed that completely different manifestations of the unconscious could be reflected in them. In addition, Jung refused to consider repressed sexuality in childhood as the only cause of mental illness (this concept was insisted on by Freud). nine0003

According to Jung, each person is the bearer of a certain mental structure that has been forming for hundreds and thousands of years. Together with his unique life experience, it forms the personality and characteristics of the human psyche. So, in addition to the psychoanalytic structure of the structure of the psyche (It, Ego, Super-Ego), Carl Jung added the area of ​​​​the collective unconscious - a system of metaphors common to all mankind and transmitted from generation to generation.

Terms and concepts of Jungian psychoanalysis


The contents of the collective unconscious are archetypes - mental concepts, images and ideas common to different peoples and cultures. Jung identified four individual archetypes that are inherent in each personality:

Person

The mask that a person puts on in different situations (at work, in the family, and so on). A successful manager, a good parent: this image helps to achieve certain results in life, career, communication, but has little to do with what a person really is. nine0005

Shadow

The "dark" part of the personality that a person cannot accept in himself, but with a certain work on himself, can be of benefit to him. For example, suppressed aggression, which, if properly integrated into the personality structure, will help you learn to defend your interests, defend your own position in controversial situations.

Anima (for a man), animus (for a woman)

The feminine aspect in a man's personality, and vice versa, the masculine aspect in a woman's personality. For a man, anima is the energy of creativity, creation, care. For a woman - inner strength, self-confidence. Anima and animus are formed in the course of observing the parent of the opposite sex, and are updated in partnerships. nine0003

Self

The core of the human personality, in Jung's own words, "God is within us." Selfhood means the integrity of realized human potential. The archetype of the self emerges as conscious and unconscious experience is integrated.

In addition to the four basic individual archetypes, Jung described dozens of archetypal images and plots that are reflected in the myths and fairy tales of the peoples of the world. They find manifestation in various life situations. nine0005

“Take the Mother archetype. The figure of the mother, the progenitress is in every culture on earth. At the same time, each individual can fill this archetype with his own semantic and emotional content, which depends on his personal life experience, relationships with his own mother. Archetypes help to meet uncertainty, to clothe it in images, to interpret it. Through archetypes, it is easier for the client to interpret his life situation. You can find a symbol that will become a key, help you find answers to questions. This can be done through dreams, or through your personal history - if you look at it like a fairy tale. What else is useful to work with archetypes? The client is relieved when he realizes that he is not alone in his problem. His life is no exception, the situations he experiences have been with other people since ancient times, and they were dealt with. nine0005

Varvara Negriy, psychoanalyst, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University. Lomonosov

Jung rethought and actively used the concept of the complex introduced by Freud. According to Jung, everything that evokes a strong emotional response in us is somehow connected with complexes - with mental dominants in the unconscious that have formed over the course of life. In contrast to the philistine idea of ​​the complex as an exclusively negative, painful reaction, in Jungian analysis the complex can be both positive and negative. Awareness and elaboration of complexes play an important role in the process of psychoanalysis. nine0003

The goal of Jungian analysis is the individuation of man. Jung calls individuation the natural movement of the individual towards the unification of conscious experience and an array of unconscious information. Each person in his life follows the path of individuation, however, thanks to psychoanalysis, this process can be significantly accelerated, promoted to advance through the layers of the unconscious to the essence of the human personality - his Self.

Jungian psychoanalysis techniques


Working with archetypes and the unconscious is carried out according to two main techniques: m The amplification technique involves working with dreams in the waking state. With the help of the method of free associations, the client and the analyst comprehend the content of dreams. Archetypal images from myths, legends, art, and literature come to the rescue. Amplification allows you to bring to the surface and organize what was hidden in the unconscious.

9 works in a similar way0078 active imagination technique : here “daydreams” become the material for analysis. The therapist asks the client to concentrate on a certain event, thought, memory, push off from this material and dive into the fantasy based on it. The client is invited to freely develop the plot without looking at the listener, so that later they can analyze the resulting narrative together. The technique of active imagination allows you to integrate the areas of consciousness and the unconscious, comprehend and bring to the surface deep images and archetypes. nine0005

Requests and conditions, the duration of the psychoanalysis rate


Psychodynamic approaches are effective for the following states and requests:

Depression


Life

Loss Motivation Motivation
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 Problems in personal
and family relationships

Neurotic disorders

In the psychoanalytic method, you can undergo short-term therapy of 5-10 sessions, aimed at solving a specific life problem. Short-term or focus therapy is devoted to the analysis of one problem and does not go to a deep analysis of the personality. Such therapy is suitable for crisis and emergency situations: job loss, divorce, loss, changes in life. nine0005

“There is an idea that psychoanalysis can last a lifetime. And in general, this is true. Freud said that once a week you need to delve into yourself. This is no longer about solving a certain issue or helping in a certain state, but about noticing and understanding what is happening. The client can stay in therapy for as long as he needs to, as long as he feels the benefit.

If the request is about one single problem, I usually book 5-10 sessions for focus therapy. The problem should be specific: for example, a person is afraid of interviews, cannot change jobs or make another important decision. nine0003

Sometimes a client comes in with one request, but then gets pulled in and stays in full operation. After all, it is incredibly interesting: to observe yourself, to reveal yourself. A fascinating process in which we accompany a person.”

Varvara Negriy, psychoanalyst, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University. Lomonosov

A case from practice

“In my practice, there is an extraordinary case that shows how psychoanalysis can unlock a person's potential. With one of the clients, 28 years old, we worked for more than a year. She was quite successful in business, but the atmosphere of criticism in which she grew up made her feel insecure, doubtful, and often make decisions that were not in her favor. It was obvious that she needed support, which she did not receive. nine0003

In the course of our work, she received a proposal for a deal that was both profitable, but aroused her doubts. Together we worked through the roots of that uncertainty. When the deal went through, she received the amount that gave her financial independence. The girl herself insisted that psychoanalysis played a decisive role here. First of all, of course, this is her personal merit. But I like to think that our work together helped her achieve such results. ”

Varvara Negriy, psychoanalyst, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University. Lomonosov

What to read?


Introduction to psychoanalysis. Lectures.
Sigmund Freud

A book for those who are not afraid to plunge into the deepest ideological layer of psychoanalysis. "Introduction to Psychoanalysis" is a systematic series of lectures by Freud, which reveals the theoretical foundations of classical psychoanalysis and talks about ideas that still cause fierce debate among professionals.

"Man and his symbols".
Carl Gustav Jung

One of the few books that speak in an accessible language about the theory of Jungian psychoanalysis and its basic concepts: the collective unconscious and the archetype system. Aimed at a wide range of readers.

Psychoanalytic diagnostics. Understanding personality structure in the clinical process.
Nancy McWilliams

A modern textbook on psychoanalytic work that commands respect even among those members of the scientific community who are skeptical of the system of psychoanalysis as a whole. He talks about different types of patients and the peculiarities of working with them. nine0005

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What is psychodynamic therapy? - Psychological Center "Transfiguration"

Psychodynamic therapy is an approach that involves promoting a deeper understanding of one's emotions and other mental processes. It helps people better understand how they feel and think. What is psychodynamic therapy?

By improving this understanding, people will be able to make better choices in their lives. They can also work to improve their relationships with others and work towards goals that will bring them greater happiness and fulfillment. nine0003

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in psychoanalytic theory, but is often a less intense and lengthy process than traditional psychoanalysis. While psychoanalysis tends to put a lot of emphasis on the patient-therapist relationship, psychodynamic therapy also puts a lot of emphasis on the patient's relationship with other people in the outside world. What is psychodynamic therapy?

What is psychodynamic therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talking therapy. It is based on the idea that talking to a specialist about the problems people are facing can help them find relief and find solutions. nine0003

By working with a psychodynamic therapist, people can better understand the thoughts, feelings, and conflicts that affect their behavior. This approach to therapy also helps people better understand some of the unconscious motives that sometimes influence how people think, feel, and act.

This approach to psychotherapy can help to cope with a mental or emotional disorder. It can promote self-reflection, understanding, and emotional growth.

By better understanding your emotional patterns and their roots, you are better equipped to deal with your problems and develop coping methods that will help you now and in the future. nine0003

Application

Although similar in many ways to psychoanalysis, it is often less frequent and shorter in duration. Like other forms of therapy, it can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Interpersonal problems
  • Personality disorders
  • Psychological stress
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorders

Factors that may influence which type of treatment is used include cost-effectiveness, affordability, patient preferences, and the severity of the symptoms a person experiences. While cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular and effective approach, evidence suggests that psychodynamic therapy can be just as effective for many conditions. nine0003

Online therapy is another option you might consider. Some research also suggests that online psychodynamic therapy can be just as effective as online cognitive behavioral therapy. 3

What is online therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy helps people recognize repressed emotions and unconscious influences that may be influencing their current behavior. Sometimes people act in a certain way or react to others for reasons they don't really understand. nine0003

Psychodynamic therapy helps people learn to be aware, bear and put their emotional life into perspective. It also helps people learn to express their emotions in more adaptive and healthy ways.

Important Features

Some important aspects of psychodynamic therapy include:

  • Pattern Recognition : Psychodynamic therapy helps people learn to recognize patterns in behavior and relationships. People often develop characteristic ways of responding to problems without being aware of these trends. However, the ability to notice them can help people find new approaches to solving problems. nine0357
  • Understanding Emotions : Research has shown that psychodynamic therapy is useful for learning and understanding emotions. By examining emotional experiences, people can better recognize the patterns that contributed to dysfunction and then be more willing to make changes.
  • Relationship improvement : Relationships with other people are a key focus of psychodynamic therapy. By working with a therapist, people can understand how they often react to others. nine0357

The therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a way to explore a person's relationship with other people through a process known as transference. This gives people an immediate "in vivo" way to explore and then change their response pattern to improve their relationship.

How effective is it?

How effective is psychodynamic therapy and how does it compare with other forms of treatment?

Evaluating the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy is somewhat difficult, but studies show that it can be useful in treating a variety of psychological problems. nine0003

One of the reasons why it can be difficult to evaluate the full effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy is that many of the changes it produces are difficult to measure.

As researcher Jonathan Shedler noted in an American Psychological Association (APA) press release, while it is relatively easy to measure changes in specific acute symptoms, it is much more difficult to measure basic personality changes.

Despite this difficulty, research supports the effectiveness and use of psychodynamic therapy for the treatment of various conditions. nine0003

  • One notable review published in American Psychologist concluded that the evidence supports the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy.
  • Another study has shown that it can be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • A 2017 review published in American Journal of Psychiatry concluded that psychodynamic therapy is as effective as other known treatments. However, the study authors suggested that further research is needed to determine who benefited the most from this type of treatment. nine0357

What to expect

If you decide to try psychodynamic therapy, you can meet with a therapist weekly or several times a week. Each session usually lasts about 45 minutes and you will continue to see the therapist for several months. In some cases, you can continue classes for a year or longer.

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