What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy encompasses a range of different therapies which focus on understanding the unique internal dynamics within a person which impact on their feelings, behavior and relationships. Dynamics may include conflicts within the self between different motivations and patterns of relating, which arise from early interactions with parent figures, for example. People are often unaware of these inner processes, and psychotherapy can assist in revealing and illuminating these.

How does Psychodynamic Psychotherapy work?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy adopts the view that insight or self-knowledge is an essential condition for lasting recovery and change. A trusting, consistent relationship with the therapist allows the individual to gradually reveal the patterns in their emotional and behavioral reactions that are causing problems. The therapist helps the client to explore and understand these problems.

Is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy effective?

Studies show that psychodynamic psychotherapy works better than no treatment. In general, it produces similar improvements to other psychological therapies. However, there is evidence that psychodynamic therapy is less likely to produce recovery from depression than cognitive behavior therapy.

Are there any disadvantages?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy will involve weekly sessions for many months. If you see a counselor or clinical psychologist, it may be expensive. However, psychiatrists are covered by Medicare.

Where do you get Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is offered by some counselors, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Counselors and clinical psychologists are listed in the Yellow Pages. To see a psychiatrist, you would need a referral from a GP.

Recommendation

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a helpful treatment for depression, but has not been as well researched as cognitive behavior therapy.

Key references

Churchill R, Hunot V, Corney R, Knapp M, McGuire H, Tylee A, Wessely S. A systematic review of controlled trials of the effectiveness of brief psychological treatments for depression. Health Technology Assessment 2001; 5: No. 35.

Leichsenring F. Comparative effects of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in depression: a meta-analytic approach. Clinical Psychology Review 2001; 21: 401-419.

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Reviewed: 03/2006