Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies

What therapies are available?

Dynamic interpersonal therapy

Dynamic interpersonal therapy (often referred to as DIT) is a type of interpersonal therapy, meaning it looks at the way we relate to others (and how this affects the way we see ourselves).

Jungian therapy

Jungian psychotherapy is a specific branch of psychodynamic therapy that works from the theories of Carl Jung, considered to be one of the forefathers of psychology.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud and focuses on an individual's unconscious, deep-rooted thoughts that often stem from childhood. Through free associations, dreams or fantasies, clients can learn how to interpret deeply buried memories or experiences that may be causing them distress.

Psychoanalytic therapy

Based on psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic therapy also focuses on how an individual's unconscious thoughts are influencing them. However, psychoanalytic therapy is usually less intensive than psychoanalysis.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy evolved from psychoanalytic therapy and seeks to discover how unconscious thoughts affect current behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy usually focuses on more immediate problems and attempts to provide a quicker solution.

Who can benefit?

These types of therapies can be especially helpful for those looking to resolve issues from their past. Instead of addressing a set of symptoms, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapy focuses on the individual’s personality, exploring the motivations and reasons behind specific characteristics and recurring difficulties they may be experiencing in day-to-day life.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be especially helpful and effective for people who feel they have had long-standing bouts or periods of depression, sometimes going back to childhood experiences and trauma, and who want a bit of time to explore this, in order to move on with their lives.

- Psychotherapist Helen Swords (MA, UKCP Reg) in Depression: an unwelcome visitor who will not leave.

When is it used, and what can it help with?

Psychodynamic therapy is primarily used to help treat serious psychological disorders, depression, and to help those who feel like they may have lost meaning in their lives (or are having trouble with personal relationships). It has also been found to be effective in helping with social anxiety disorders, addiction, and eating disorders.

If you are experiencing emotional struggles, have experienced emotional trauma, exhibit self-destructive behaviour patterns, have ongoing relationship issues, or have a personality disorder, psychoanalytic therapy may be able to help.