What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Every once in awhile I am asked how my style of therapy helps people, so I decided to write this short post to explain my chosen method of helping people. Psychodynamic therapy is a briefer form of psychoanalysis which was first conceived of by Sigmund Freud.  It is an insight oriented therapy that is centered around the idea that there are maladaptive cognitive processes in place and that those processes are for the most part unconscious.  

The cure lies in making those processes conscious through free association and interpretation.  As a psychodynamic therapist my aim is to help you think differently. The first step in my work with people is to support them by treating the discomfort they are feeling and then through a gradual process we uncover the mechanisms that prevent change.  Then we develop and build strategies together to create lasting change.  

My approach is relational and the work is based on the relationship we create together in the room.  We use that relationship to inform how you behave with other people outside of the room to provide insight into those unconscious processes.  For my style of therapy to be most effective, it is recommended we meet at a minimum of once per week but optimally 2-3 times per week to establish a meaningful relationship, thus a meaningful therapy.  

Ideas to keep in mind about this method of therapy are: 

1) It is a long-term therapy

2) There is an emphasis on your development

3) Psychopathologies are a result of early childhood experiences

4) That life issues will reemerge between the client-therapist relationship

5) The concept of free association is used to explore unconscious conflicts

6) The therapist's main tool is interpretation to help the client work through present problems

If you would like more information about how this form of therapy can help you resolve problems please contact Orders Counseling at (571) 308-8392 or (202) 596-2350).