Psychodynamic treatment of anxiety, stress and depression
Psychodynamic therapists approach the treatment of anxiety and depression by exploring the conscious and unconscious conflicts and unresolved issues that underlie the psychological symptoms and often cause stress.
Psychodynamic therapy tends to approach the treatment of anxiety, depression, and stress by looking through the lens of history and how our history plays out in the present, manifesting in the form of symptoms.
Relational Transactional Analysis is one form of psychodynamic therapy that is informed by contemporary psychoanalysis and there are several others. By addressing the root causes of psychological distress, psychodynamic therapy offers the possibility of healing and personal growth at a deeper level.
During therapy sessions, you are encouraged to express thoughts, emotions, and memories freely, without censorship or judgment. By allowing the unconscious mind to surface, I can gain insights into your internal conflicts and patterns of thinking.
Exploration and meaning making
Through the processes of exploration, insight and interpretation, psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover these underlying causes of anxiety, depression and stress and facilitate healing.
During therapy sessions, you are encouraged to express thoughts, emotions, and memories freely, without censorship or judgment. By allowing the unconscious mind to surface, we can gain understanding of our internal conflicts and patterns of thinking.
Working with dreams
Dreams are seen as a gateway to the unconscious, offering valuable insights into your emotional state and underlying conflicts.
Through interpretation and exploration of dream content, I can help you gain a deeper understanding of your fears, desires and unresolved issues.
Focusing on the therapy relationship
A particular focus in psychodynamic therapy is on the relationship connection between the client and the therapist because it provides valuable information about your internal world and relationships and can be used to explore and resolve unresolved conflicts. I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can feel accepted and understood.
Through empathetic listening and attunement, I establish a strong therapeutic alliance, which serves as a foundation for exploration and healing. This relationship allows for the development of insight, increased self-awareness, and the possibility of change.
Comparison with CBT
Psychodynamic therapy differs from cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the approach used by most psychologists, which focuses on alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
This is an alluring prospect but increasingly, research is pointing to significant limitations with CBT in terms of the duration of benefit, depth of effect and other factors. Perhaps more importantly, research is now suggesting that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy are also likely to be longer lasting. Like all therapy, success hinges on a good connection between client and therapist.
Unlike CBT which is usually applied in a time limited way, psychodynamic therapy is a slower and gradual and therefore requires a commitment from both the client and the therapist to explore the meaning and internal experiences underlying the symptoms over time. delve into deep-seated issues and work through emotional pain.
The therapeutic process may involve revisiting painful memories, exploring childhood experiences, and examining the influence of early relationships on current functioning.
By gaining insight into the unconscious conflicts that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, psychodynamic therapy aims to bring about lasting change.
Self-awareness and understanding
Through the therapeutic process, you can develop a greater understanding of yourself, your patterns of thinking, and your emotional responses.
This newfound awareness can empower you to make healthier choices, break free from destructive patterns, and improve your overall well-being.
Psychodynamic therapy is often combined with other approaches
It's important to note that psychodynamic therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and its effectiveness may vary depending on individual circumstances.
In some cases, psychodynamic therapy may be used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, including CBT and/or medication to address specific symptoms more effectively. Where medication is required a GP or psychiatrist needs to prescribe and monitor the treatment.