Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

What are psychodynamics?

Psycho (Psyche); Dynamic (the interplay of mental structures: the anxiety that arises within psychological conflict; the mind in conflict)

Psychodynamics refers to the underlying psychological aspects of human behavior, emotions, and experiences. Studying psychodynamics involves exploring the connections among elements of the psyche, personality, and mind. It encompasses the relationships between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and interactions, both conscious and unconscious. From a psychodynamic perspective, psychiatry and psychotherapy are considered fields focused on understanding meaning (Shapiro).

Psychotherapy in general, especially psychodynamic-based therapy, examines internalized relationship patterns, or put simply, our perception of the world that is formed during infancy and early childhood through dynamic interactions with caregivers. They serve as templates for how a person manages and guides their relationship to self and others. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to explore and modify these relational patterns as they are experienced within the therapeutic relationship.