What is psychodynamics, and why does it matter?
We all have patterns of behavior in our lives. While this is completely natural, we also probably want to bring insight into these behaviors to help explain why we do what we do, when we do them. This way, we can bring more intentionality into our lives and actions, and overcome previously unseen barriers that otherwise would stop us from moving forward.
A key tenet of psychodynamics is in the relationship between the unconscious and conscious minds. Unconscious, meaning out of awareness—or almost automatic, in a way. One example of this might look like avoidance of a certain activity, but with no real obvious indication as to why. But if we never go about looking at these factors, how can we hope to change our relationship with the thing we are avoiding? So when we think about why we do what we do, how do we know where that comes from? Might there be unconscious factors that play into it? With practice in therapy, the aim over time is to have the tools to be able recognize emotional reactions leading to unproductive defenses and self-doubting thoughts.
So, could psychodynamic therapy be the right fit for a person looking to start therapy? Here are some broad questions to explore:
Do I wish to look deeper or get more insight into why I do what I do?
Do I feel like there is part of myself that still holds back, or that I’m not quite living up to my potential?
Are there some things seem to trigger me with no clear answer as to why?
Do I find myself avoiding the same type of situations, as if they were walls in my life?
Do I seem to attract the same type of personalities in my life despite not wanting to?
Psychodynamic therapy is not for everyone, and of course that is okay. The best way is to talk to both psychodynamic and non-psychodynamic therapists in consultation to see if one particular orientation speaks to what you are looking for.
Wait, but some might think that isn’t psychodynamics just like Freudian psychoanalysis? Psychodynamics does indeed stem from psychoanalysis, and utilizes a lot of core principles (unconscious/conscious, coping/defense processes/mechanisms, relational patterns). But contrary to first glance, psychodynamics vastly differs from the antiquated four-day-per-week therapy, fainting couch, Oedipal complexes of the past. Psychodynamics is a here and now relational therapy occurring between the client and the therapist. Though the content of therapy strictly revolves only around the client, both have their own relational experiences, defenses, and attachment style that enter the room as part of the process. The aim with psychodynamics is to build more insight into the self, establish more meaningful relationships, and apply insights learned into life for greater mental well-being (Shedler, 2010).
References
Shedler, J. (2010, February-March). The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. American Psychologist. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-65-2-98.pdf
