Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic, or psychoanalytic, therapy focuses on exploring elements of the self that are not completely known to us, and is broadly characterised by the following:
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Discussion of past experiences, particularly childhood and early attachment
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Focus on interpersonal relationships, including the therapeutic relationship
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Identification of recurring themes and patterns
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Exploration of fantasy life, including dreams
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Focus on emotional experience, including connection to the body
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Exploration of attempts to avoid distressing thoughts/feelings
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If you would like to learn more, I recommend reading the work of Jonathan Shedler, including:
Fundamental principles of relational psychoanalysis
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​​An appreciation that all ideas, including psychological / psychoanalytic concepts and accumulated wisdom, are historical, linguistic, political, and contextual.
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Individual experiences and intrapsychic structures derive largely from and are transformations of relationships with significant others.
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Therapeutic change operates, at the same time, both intrapsychically and interpersonally, and is most usefully explored in terms of the evolving relationship between patient and therapist.