What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

“Psychodynamic” refers to a mind in motion. Psychoanalytic thinking focuses on the importance of the unconscious, of symbolic communication, of affect, and of transference (an unconscious experiencing, in an interaction with someone in the present, of feelings and expectations from an relational pattern in one’s life), all of which are dynamic components of experience. There are many different psychoanalytic theories, and all agree that dynamics are central to our encounters – with others, with the world, and with ourselves. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is built on the shoulders of psychoanalytic thought, and expects to uncover, explore, and understand a patient’s dynamic factors. Specific treatment goals vary from person to person, but a general expectation of treatment is that the patient will expand her / his recognition of options in life, of her / his patterns of relationships, and learn to identify, tolerate, and manage her / his emotions.