PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY

Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theories point to hidden or forgotten conflicts based on earlier experiences as the reason for psychological problems. Treatment involves several techniques which allow the therapist to observe hints of these forgotten conflicts and to pursue those hints to help you uncover the true problem. Techniques used include: (1) Free association; (2) Dream interpretation; and (3) Analysis of transference.

Free association is a technique which is often portrayed on television and in movies. It involves your therapist allowing you to provide the topic of discussion by talking about whatever is on your mind at the time without evaluating it or questioning its relevance. This is a way of allowing the unconscious mind to express themes of importance for you. These topics may be about you, others, or important news events. The therapist’s job in this technique is to identify the themes and to structure associations which appear especially relevant.

In dream interpretation, memories of your dreams are used to look for patterns, since one theory about dreams is that they express what the normal, day-to-day conscious mind cannot or will not express. Special attention is paid to recurrent themes, as well as the timing of dreams in relation to life experiences.

One of the most useful techniques is analysis of transference. Transference is what you bring to the therapy relationship from experiences with other people. Transference involves developing feelings about the therapist which actually represent parts of feelings you had toward key individuals in your past. These may be feelings of love, hate, or even feelings of fear. When this is identified, you are able to work through the past relationship in "Real time" with the therapist so that it may come to a more positive conclusion.

Psychodynamic therapy is very helpful in unlocking your true potential, freeing you from self-doubt and dysfunctional emotions. Much like a goldmine, you have, inside yourself, great riches which only require a disciplined, dusty effort to realize. Psychodynamic therapy is the guiding light illuminating the pathway to your achievement.

Remember, as Carl Jung said, "That which we do not bring to consciousness appears in our lives as fate." Psychodynamic therapy helps you control your fate.