Whether you have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another mental health challenge, it can be helpful to know that there is a treatment, called psychodynamic therapy, that can help you heal.
Psychodynamic therapy is one of the many psychotherapy options (talk therapy) that can help people experiencing mental or emotional challenges. It is rooted in the idea that current mental health challenges are connected to unconscious conflicts from an individual’s past experiences, and in order to overcome current challenges, it is essential to identify where the unknown roots stem from.
If you’re considering psychodynamic therapy for your mental health challenges, here is what you can expect from the therapy.
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is similar to traditional psychoanalysis but less intense. It emphasizes the patient’s relationship with other people in the world and is based on the idea that talking to a professional about the mental health issues you are facing can help you identify key past experiences, especially those from early childhood, that are having a significant impact on your current feelings, behaviors, and thoughts.
By identifying these influences, you can understand the source of your mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or distress. Once the source is identified, a psychotherapist can work with you to address the source and allow you to feel more in control of your life.
Additionally, psychodynamic therapy can help in:
- Making mindful choices
- Letting go of the past
- Improving relationships
What You Can Expect
For psychodynamic therapy, you will meet your therapist anywhere from once weekly to a few times each week. Each psychodynamic therapy session lasts around 45 minutes, and you may have to continue seeing your therapist for several months. In some cases, patients may need to keep having psychodynamic therapy sessions for a year or longer.
During your psychodynamic therapy sessions, your therapist will provide you a safe and confidential space where you can talk freely about whatever comes to your mind. You can openly and honestly talk about your difficulties, current and past relationships, childhood experiences, and anything else that comes to mind. You can also explore your experiences, feelings, and thoughts. The supportive environment will make you feel comfortable talking about anything that is on your mind, even if it is painful or difficult.
Your therapist will carefully listen to you and make some observations, as appropriate. They may share their ideas, observations, or interpretations of the issues you discuss; however, they will not give you specific advice or directions.
Instead, through therapy, the therapist will support you to reflect on your difficulties and come to your own conclusions. This will help you understand yourself and your current challenges better and feel empowered to make amendments that could improve your relationships and overall quality of life.
Psychodynamic Therapy in Sandy Springs, GA
If you are looking for a highly trained and compassionate psychiatric doctor who offers psychodynamic therapy, look no further than our psychiatrist here at Chastain Psychiatry. Our psychiatrist, Dr. Cody Browning, is eager to help people with mental and emotional challenges through a vast array of psychotherapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectal behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and more.
If you would like to learn more about our psychiatry services or meet our psychiatrist, Dr. Cody Browning, call (404) 963-2647 to book your appointment today. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online.
