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What is psychodynamic therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in psychoanalytic theory but is often a less intensive, shorter process than traditionalpsychoanalysis.

Find out which option is the best for you.

An image of a woman seated in an office speaking to a therapist.

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Although similar to psychoanalysis, it is often less frequent and of shorter duration.

Online psychodynamic therapy may be as effective as online CBT.

Important Characteristics

People sometimes act or respond in ways they don’t understand.

This helps people explore their typical responses to others and find ways to improve their relationships.

How Effective Is It?

Despite this difficulty, research supports the efficacy and use of psychodynamic therapy to treat a variety of conditions.

Each session typically lasts for around 45 minutes and you will continue to see your therapist for several months.

In some cases, you may keep having sessions for a year or longer.

During psychodynamic therapy, people are often encouraged to talk about anything that might be on their minds.

This might include things they are currently experiencing or memories of things that have happened in the past.

Long-term psychodynamic therapy may take a year or longer and involve 50 or more therapy sessions.

They can make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options that may be best for your individual needs.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy may be a good fit for you.

Published 2020 Mar 18. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2020.100316

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