Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is a powerful evidence-based approach to emotional healing and personal growth. It focuses on uncovering the deeper needs, urges, and desires that often lie beneath the surface—and may be contributing to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or persistent dissatisfaction in life or relationships.

Rather than focusing only on the “what” of your symptoms, psychodynamic therapy is interested in the “why.”

Why the Past Matters

Much of how we operate as adults—our relationship styles, coping mechanisms, even our self-worth—is shaped by early experiences, particularly in childhood. In psychodynamic therapy, we explore those formative moments and life timelines to better understand how they continue to influence your current emotional life.

Bringing insight into the past doesn’t mean getting stuck in it. Instead, it helps us recognize patterns and beliefs we may have internalized long ago, often without even realizing it.

Becoming Aware of Unconscious Patterns

Many of the behaviors or emotional reactions that cause us distress are rooted in unconscious patterns. These are mental habits or relational templates we developed over time—often as a way of coping—but which may no longer serve us.

Psychodynamic therapy helps you become aware of these patterns so you can begin to shift them. This awareness is the first step in creating space for change and healing.

Creating a Corrective Emotional Experience

The ultimate goal of this therapy is not just awareness, but transformation. As you begin to understand and name your patterns, you also open the door to new experiences—what therapists often call “corrective emotional experiences.” These are moments of connection, safety, or clarity that provide healing where wounding once occurred.

Through these moments, you begin to develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others, and you gain a deeper sense of personal freedom and resilience.

The Role of the Therapist

In psychodynamic therapy, your therapist is more than just a guide—they create a safe, non-judgmental space where it feels possible to explore the parts of yourself that you may have hidden, avoided, or simply never had the opportunity to fully understand.

Your therapist will help bring attention to the subtle emotional and relational patterns that may be contributing to your current struggles, so that together, you can work toward deeper understanding and meaningful change.

Curious If This Approach Is Right for You?

If you’re interested in a deeper exploration of self—and a therapy that goes beyond surface-level fixes—psychodynamic work might be a good fit.

We invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about how this approach can support your healing, growth, and self-discovery.