Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Toronto
Psychodynamic Approach to Therapy
If you’ve been experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, or more generally struggling to cope with life stressors, you may be ready to seek help. There are so many types of therapy, however, that many ask, “How do I know if psychodynamic therapy is for me?”, or even more specifically, “How is psychodynamic therapy different from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT?)” PRS Toronto offers some insight into the Psychodynamic approach, which is evidence-based and shown to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals with a wide range of personal experiences and issues.
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic therapy (sometimes referred to as depth or psychoanalytic psychotherapy) is similar to psychoanalysis in that it is a form of talk therapy. You and your therapist will engage in a dedicated and ongoing conversation about your experiences in the present, and the past, in order to understand how you relate to your world, as well as to your therapist.
Psychodynamic therapists work with individuals and some of our therapists provide psychodynamic family therapy. Others address marriage or relationship therapy from a psychodynamic perspective. Through this work, we look for ways to help individuals thrive in their world.
If you are looking for psychodynamic therapy in the greater Toronto area for anxiety, depression, P.T.S.D. and more, our therapists are here to help. Our therapists offer both in-person sessions and virtual sessions, making our services accessible to everyone.
Who Does Psychodynamic Therapy Help?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy can be very beneficial for people who are experiencing deep, pervasive difficulties in their life. However, even those who are able to function well in work, school and/or relationships may find comfort and learning in psychodynamic therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is often appropriate for those with significant mental health concerns, such as:
- Deep depression
- Feeling disconnected from life
- Eating disorders
- Social anxiety disorders
- Repeated interpersonal problems
- Addiction and compulsions
The Stages of Psychodynamic Therapy
In general, a therapist following a psychodynamic approach will follow three specific stages as part of a treatment plan:
- Initiation
During this phase, the therapist and client get to know each other and work to develop a therapeutic rapport. Trust must be established so that the client feels willing to share deep, personal information with the therapist. At the same time, the therapist needs to gain a baseline understanding of the individual client; why they are looking for therapy, what factors are influencing their desire for treatment, and so forth.
What are examples of psychodynamic therapy techniques?
- Helping client to create a narrative understanding of their personal history and how it informs their worldview and ways of engaging with others (this includes exploration of thoughts, feelings and ideas that may exist “below the surface” and outside of the client’s conscious awareness)
- Exploration and interpretation of the client’s dreams
- Validating and helping to co-regulate the client’s strong feeling
- Drawing attention to possible psychosomatic effects of stress and trauma
- Identifying and helping client to connect with helpful resources for self-care
- Reframing and helping client to meaningfully rebuild their sense of Self and ways of being in the world
- Middle Stage
In the psychodynamic approach, an ongoing therapeutic conversation takes place between client and therapist, guided by the client’s expression of life experiences that may be causing
difficulty or evoking strong feelings. With curiosity and compassion, the therapist will often ask questions aimed at uncovering patterns that may be rooted in the client’s past. The therapist and client will spend time examining how the client was affected by, and reacted to, past situations, and how that might be influencing their thoughts, feelings and behaviour today. Resistance to treatment, and to change, is often a part of this middle phase, and the therapist will be prepared to help the client navigate and work through.
- Termination Phase
Unlike some therapies, there is no prescribed ending to a psychodynamic psychotherapy. As a client, you may find that you are starting to experience wider options in your life choices, or a greater sense of peace, connection and joy, such that therapeutic support is no longer needed. The termination phase of a psychodynamic therapy can include reflecting with your therapist on what themes have been explored, what patterns have been uncovered, and what changes you have made in your life as a result of the therapeutic work.
