Psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest and most well-established forms of psychological treatment, and it continues to play an important role in modern mental health care. At Darvell Psychology in Belmont, Geelong, psychodynamic psychotherapy is a central approach used to support clients in creating lasting change.
A Brief History of Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy grew out of the work of Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Freud developed the idea that many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by unconscious processes that lie outside our immediate awareness. Over time, other theorists built on his work, making psychodynamic therapy more accessible, practical, and evidence-based.
Today, psychodynamic therapy is widely practised across the world. It is less rigid than Freud’s original psychoanalysis and focuses more on the relationship between therapist and client, exploring current struggles alongside early life experiences.
How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work?
At its core, psychodynamic therapy is an insight-oriented approach. Instead of focusing only on symptom management, it aims to uncover the root causes of emotional difficulties. Some of the key mechanisms include:
- Exploring unconscious patterns – bringing hidden conflicts, beliefs, or behaviours into awareness.
- Understanding relationships – examining how past relationships influence current ones.
- Therapeutic relationship – using the safe and supportive space of therapy to better understand how you relate to others.
- Emotional processing – working through unresolved experiences so they no longer have the same hold over your present life.
Through this process, clients often experience relief from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship difficulties, while also gaining a deeper sense of self-understanding and resilience.
The Evidence for Psychodynamic Therapy
Although psychodynamic therapy is sometimes seen as “traditional,” research has shown it to be effective and evidence-based. Clinical studies have found that:
- Psychodynamic therapy can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Benefits often continue to grow even after therapy has ended, as new insights and patterns take hold.
- Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy has been shown to help with complex issues such as personality difficulties, trauma, and chronic relational struggles.
According to a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, psychodynamic therapy is as effective as other well-researched approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly when longer-lasting change is needed.
Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for You?
Psychodynamic therapy may be helpful if you’re seeking more than short-term strategies, and want to better understand yourself, your relationships, and the underlying causes of your difficulties. Many people find that this approach not only reduces distressing symptoms but also supports personal growth and stronger, healthier connections with others.
At Darvell Psychology in Belmont, Geelong, Jessica offers psychodynamic psychotherapy both face-to-face and via secure telehealth across Australia. If you’d like to explore whether this therapy could support you, you’re welcome to get in touch.