Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Curious about your inner world?

Written by Kittaporn Jonglertjanya, D.O. 

What is Psychodynamic Therapy about?

The Unconscious Mind

There’s more to our inner world than we’re fully aware of. Have you ever had a strong emotional reaction that didn’t make sense logically? Often, unresolved wishes, fears, and past conflicts—things we’re not consciously aware of—can influence our present emotions, thoughts, and decisions.

Early Childhood Experiences

Our early relationships, especially with caregivers, shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. This concept is deeply rooted in attachment theory. Whether we felt secure, neglected, or misunderstood early in life can influence how we experience and respond to relationships today.

Defense Mechanisms

When feelings, thoughts, or memories are too overwhelming, we unconsciously use defense mechanisms to protect ourselves. Some common examples include:

• Projection: “I don’t hate you; you hate me.” (Avoiding feelings that feel unacceptable.)

• Intellectualization: “I’m not upset about being passed over for a promotion—I'm going on maternity leave anyways.” (Minimizing emotional pain by focusing on logic.)

• Devaluation: “I didn’t get the job, but it was a terrible job anyway.” (Protecting self-worth from rejection.)

While these defenses can be helpful in the short term, rigid or repetitive use can limit emotional growth. For example, intellectualizing at work might help maintain professionalism—but in personal relationships, emotional connection is often more important.

Transference & Countertransference

Transference: It’s common for patients to experience strong feelings toward their therapist. These reactions may reflect past relationships and can offer insight into current emotional patterns. Exploring these feelings in therapy can be valuable - how you internalized your past relationship or of your current relational patterns with others outside of therapy. 

Countertransference: Therapists may also experience emotional responses toward their patients. Recognizing and reflecting on these reactions can enhance the therapeutic process—but it also underscores the importance of therapists doing their own inner work through supervision or therapy.

Common Myths About Psychodynamic Therapy

“Do I have to lie on a couch with my eyes closed?”
Not at all—unless you want to! Some people prefer lying down, but therapy can be just as effective (if not more so) whether you’re sitting, attending virtually, or even talking from your car—as long as you feel safe and have some privacy.

“Therapists just sit silently and stare.”
While creating space for you to speak freely is important, good therapy also includes meaningful feedback. This may involve clarifying, reflecting, offering support, or providing relevant psychoeducation. A skilled therapist listens deeply and offers guidance aligned with your values—not their own.

“It takes years to get anything out of it.”
While psychodynamic therapy can be long-term for some, others find relief and insight in just a few sessions (e.g., 5–10). The pace and length of therapy depend on your goals, needs, and life circumstances. It’s not about fitting a mold—it’s about what works for you.

How Can This Help Me?

1. Be More Present
When unresolved experiences from the past linger, they can show up in the present—as trauma, as repeated relationship patterns, or as emotional blocks. By exploring and processing these experiences, you can begin to live more fully in the here and now.

2. Make Authentic Life Choices
We all experience inner conflict at times. For instance:
“I want more family time, but I accepted a promotion that keeps me at work longer.”
Understanding your internal dynamics can help you make choices that are not only logical but emotionally authentic—ones that align with who you truly are.

3. See the World More Clearly
Our past shapes how we see ourselves and others. When our worldview is based on old wounds or distorted beliefs, we can misinterpret the present. Psychodynamic therapy helps uncover these distortions, allowing you to broaden your perspective and engage with life more openly and truthfully.

This blog post is for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice and please consult your mental health provider or physician if you have any concern about your mental health or diagnosis. Using this blog post does not establish a physician-patient relationship.