Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Are you interested in going deeper in your therapy and healing? Psychodynamic psychotherapy, also known as Insight-oriented therapy, is based on the theory that by increasing awareness of our unconscious experience, we can live less reflexively and more consciously, creating new life experiences. This therapeutic process involves the therapist and patient exploring, and more deeply understanding, how feelings, beliefs, actions, and events from the past are influencing our current experiences and circumstances. Successful psychodynamic psychotherapy empowers you to experience the freedom and clarity to make mature, adaptive and healthier choices in your life. Rooted in psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy was developed as a less intensive alternative to Freudian Psychoanalysis.
Tell me more about Psychodynamic Psychotherapy…
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of therapy that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and its influence on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is rooted in the principles of psychoanalytic theory, which was developed by Sigmund Freud and further elaborated upon by subsequent theorists and practitioners.
Here are some key features of psychodynamic psychotherapy:
Unconscious Processes: Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping behavior and emotional experiences. It holds that many of our thoughts, feelings, and motivations operate outside of conscious awareness and may stem from early childhood experiences.
Exploration of Past Experiences: Therapists using this approach help clients explore their past experiences, particularly those from childhood, to understand how they might be influencing current patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.
Insight and Self-Understanding: The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to foster insight and self-understanding in clients. By gaining awareness of unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts, clients can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
The Therapeutic Relationship: The therapeutic relationship is central to psychodynamic therapy. The therapist provides a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. The dynamics of the therapeutic relationship often mirror patterns in the client's other relationships, providing opportunities for exploration and growth.
Transference and Countertransference: Psychodynamic therapists pay attention to transference and countertransference dynamics. Transference refers to the client's unconscious feelings and attitudes toward the therapist, which may be influenced by past relationships. Countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional reactions to the client, which can provide valuable insight into the client's experience.
Interpretation: Therapists in psychodynamic psychotherapy may offer interpretations to help clients gain insight into unconscious processes and conflicts. Interpretations aim to make unconscious material conscious, facilitating understanding and resolution.
Long-Term Focus: Psychodynamic therapy is often long-term and may involve regular sessions over an extended period. The exploration of deep-seated patterns and unconscious material takes time, and progress may unfold gradually.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is used to address a range of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, relationship difficulties, and unresolved trauma. While it shares some similarities with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, its emphasis on unconscious processes and the therapeutic relationship distinguishes it as a unique approach to treatment.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.