Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy based on the principles of psychoanalysis. In psychodynamic therapy, a therapist will help you gain insight into your life and current problems. Your therapist will also identify patterns you have developed over time. Recognizing recurring patterns can help you understand how you avoid distressing situations and feelings and develop defense mechanisms to cope. According to psychodynamic theory, your actions are influenced by your unconscious thoughts. Once you process your vulnerable or painful feelings, your defense mechanisms will reduce or resolve and you’ll see improvements in your ability to get through your day to day life.

What to expect.

With help from the therapist, clients receiving treatment are encouraged to speak freely about anything that comes to mind, including current issues, fears, desires and dreams.

Psychodynamic therapy can be offered to individuals, couples, families, or groups. It can be used as short-term or long-term therapy. Brief psychodynamic therapy is goal-oriented and can take as many as 25 sessions. Long-term psychodynamic therapy may take two years or more.

The theories and techniques that distinguish psychodynamic therapy from other types of therapy include: a focus on recognizing, acknowledging, understanding, expressing, and overcoming negative, contradictory, repressed and emotions or feelings in order to improve your social interactions and relationships. This includes helping you understand how repressed emotions can impact your decision-making, behavior, and relationships. Psychodynamic therapy also aims to help those who are aware of and understand the origins of their social difficulties, but are not able to overcome their problems on their own. You will learn to analyze and resolve the issues you face and change your behavior in your relationships through deep exploration and analysis of your formative life experiences and emotions.

What are the benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy? 

Psychodynamic therapy is primarily used to treat depression and other mental health disorders, especially for those who have difficulty building or maintaining romantic, platonic, or family relationships. Studies have found that psychodynamic therapy can also be used to treat addiction, social anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to decrease mental health symptoms and increase self-esteem, effective communication, and improve your ability to develop and maintain more satisfying relationships even after treatment is over.

This service is available in the following locations:

 

  • Augusta
  • via telehealth statewide

For more information or to enroll in services our Open Access team at (207) 626-3414.

We are required to bill for our services. MaineCare and private insurance will pay for many of our services. Low or no-cost treatment may be available to qualified individuals.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Call our Open Access intake team at (207) 626-3414.

They will answer your questions, provide information, and help you make an appointment for an initial assessment, where we can learn more about you and your specific needs.