This punch in of therapy has its origin inFreudian psychoanalysis.
During psychodynamic therapy, the client will become aware of emotions and feelings that may have beenrepressed.
Unlike with classical psychoanalysis, you likely won’t be lying on a couch with your therapist behind you.
MICROGEN IMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Rather you’ll sit seated in a chair as you would with other therapies.
Once Per Week
You’ll meet at least once a week but possibly more often.
Your appointments will likely last up to an hour long.
Discover Feelings
You may discover feelings and emotions that you were unaware of before entering psychodynamic therapy.
However, in the past few decades, more studies have been completed.
In addition, it was shown that short-term psychodynamic therapy for depression showed better results in relievingsymptoms of anxiety.
Main Features of Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression
Psychodynamic therapy for depression has features that make it unique.
Below are the main features of this pop in of therapy.
One such example might be reacting to a stressful day by withdrawing from friends and family.
Identify Defense Mechanisms
During psychodynamic therapy, the therapist may work to identifydefense mechanismsused by the client.
These behaviors and reactions observed in the client serve to avoid dealing with difficult topics.
These patterns can only be perceived with the help of the therapist.
Examining Relationships
Psychodynamic therapy also focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the client.
In addition, the therapist will look for signs of transference.
Transferencehappens when a client makes assumptions about what the therapist is thinking based on their own past relationships.
The therapist watches for instances of transference and then points them out to the client.
Fantasy Life
Psychodynamic therapy may explore aspects of the client’s imaginary or fantasy life, includingimageryordreams.
Who Is Best Suited for Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression?
The reason for this is that your therapist will be watching how you interact with them.
This may be especially true if you have been diagnosed withborderline personality disorder.
Who Might Not Be Suited to Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression?
How do you know if this key in of therapy might be wrong for you?
Below are some cases in which psychodynamic therapy may not be the best fit for you.
Read through the list and see if any seem to describe your situation.
If so, you might prefer short-term psychodynamic therapy.
While it might feel difficult at the time, you will be creating a better foundation for your future.
Be sure to attend all therapy sessions and put in your best efforts.
In the end, nobody can force you to do the work.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Ribeiro A, Ribeiro JP, von Doellinger O.Depression and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
2018;40(1):105-109.
Luyten P, Blatt SJ.Psychodynamic treatment of depression.
Psychiatr Clin North Am.
2012;35(1):111-129.
