Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the premise that we are never fully aware of why we do what we do, make the decisions we make, and repeatedly find ourselves in midst of professional or relationship difficulties. So often, life experiences and traumas from our earliest childhood have led us to approaching life in a particular way that is not always in our best interest. Proceeding down such a path in life can lead to feeling filled with conflict—within ourselves and with those around us. To complicate things, rather than facing the conflict head on, we find elaborate ways of avoiding the painful emotions arising from it. This only leads to a life lived without authenticity, estranged from one’s own values, feeling depressed or anxious, or in a cycle of chaotic or unfulfilling personal and professional relationships.

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To make changes in our life, we need to explore why we do what we do—what motivates us and underlies our life decisions and choices. With this greater awareness and insight, we can have a more realistic sense of our life situation and who we are, and make decisions and changes more clearly aligned with what is important to us—what is authentically and uniquely us.

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Unlike other structured, manualized psychotherapies, the process of psychodynamic therapy is very much led by the patient. In a clinical setting that is safe and welcoming, and where an atmosphere of trust can develop, the patient has space to become more comfortable talking about whatever comes to mind about their present or past. This may include discussing dreams, fantasies and longings as well as fears and conflicts. It is not uncommon that in this setting the patient starts to interact with the therapist in a way resembling how they interact with others from their present or past. This too provides valuable information. As time goes by, the patient and therapist work together to become aware of patterns emerging. These patterns can reveal motives, wishes, and fantasies that the patient was previously unaware of, yet which were actively behind the maladaptive steps that led to the presenting concerns. The therapist is present to help notice and detect these patterns and previously unknown motives, and to challenge the patient to confront them, so the patient can make healthier and more genuine decisions in their lives.

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To effect such change in one’s life and to reverse such maladaptive patterns, psychodynamic psychotherapy takes time. It requires a minimum frequency of weekly 50 minute sessions to develop the trust and safety necessary to allow oneself to talk freely and openly. It also generally takes a minimum of 6 months to a year of such therapy to attain the kind of insight necessary to make meaningful change possible.