What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is one type of treatment for substance use disorders and is one of many offered with drug rehab in Florida through Legacy Healing Center. This type of therapeutic approach is often used along with hypnotherapy to examine the unconscious sources of your emotional and psychological hardships.

Psychodynamic therapy places an in-depth, holistic focus on your relationship with the outside world through talk therapy. The aim is to help you discover patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs so you can gain deeper insight into who you are. Identifying life experiences that helped make you who you are can help you to look at problems in your life from a totally different, more positive perspective.

In short, psychodynamic therapy helps you achieve a better understanding of your emotions and how you think. Rather than focusing solely on the patient, this treatment is geared toward helping them with their relationships with other people. It is a type of talk therapy, which allows you to talk to a professional about problems you are dealing with.

How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work?

A psychodynamic therapist will converse with you as he or she encourages you to speak openly about any topic at all. Psychodynamic therapy attempts to uncover your unconscious motivations and how they affect your behavior, mood, and the way you function.

Past experiences that have helped shape your personality and affect your present challenges are often revealed through this insightful therapy. Your one-on-one sessions typically take place once or twice a week, over the course of several months.

Treatment helps the person identify emotions they may have repressed or other influences they aren’t aware of, which may be a factor in their behaviors. At the same time, it encourages them to find better ways to express those emotions. They may deal with experiences they went through early in life as well as beliefs they hold as it relates to current relationships and how they interact with others.

Psychodynamic therapy teaches people to look for patterns in how they respond to situations. As they recognize these tendencies, they learn how to replace them with new coping methods.

Short-term therapy may last for up to 25 sessions. Patients will often meet several times a week in the beginning. Long-term treatment can take up to two years or even longer.

Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Patients who receive psychodynamic treatment have the opportunity to discuss challenges they are dealing with, relieving emotional and mental distress that would otherwise lead them to misuse substances. It can also help them reflect on their situation, providing insight and the opportunity for growth. As the patient develops a better understanding of their emotions, it equips them to handle the issues with appropriate coping techniques. Psychodynamic therapy is used frequently in addiction treatment. As you continue treatment, your therapist will guide you into exploring your past experiences more deeply in order to help identify patterns and underlying thoughts that may have been at the root of your addiction. You’ll work through your emotions with a professional in order to lessen your chances for relapse once you’re in recovery. Knowing what may have led you to begin using substances can provide you with ways to manage triggers and help you cope with accompanying stress.

What Can Psychodynamic Therapy Treat?

Treatment providers often use psychodynamic therapy to treat a range of mental health conditions, including:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
This type of treatment is often used with the same conditions as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Get Help with Your Substance Use Disorder

Legacy Healing Center provides a range of treatment options for those who suffer from substance use disorders. From drug detox to drug rehab treatment, we can help you begin the road to recovery, providing you the support you need to be successful. To learn more about the treatment we offer, contact us at 888.711.5891.