Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
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What is it?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy encompasses a range of different therapies which focus on understanding the unique internal dynamics within a person which impact on their feelings, behaviour and relationships. Dynamics may include conflicts within the self between different motivations and patterns of relating, which arise from early interactions with parent figures, for example. People are often unaware of these inner processes, and psychotherapy can assist in revealing and illuminating these.
How does it work?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy adopts the view that insight or self-knowledge is an essential condition for lasting recovery and change. A trusting, consistent relationship with the therapist allows the individual to gradually reveal the patterns in their emotional and behavioural reactions that are causing problems. The therapist helps the client to explore and understand these problems.
Is it effective?
Studies show that psychodynamic psychotherapy works better than no treatment. In general, it produces similar improvements to other psychological therapies. However, there is evidence that psychodynamic therapy is less likely to produce recovery from depression than cognitive behaviour therapy.
Are there any disadvantages?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy will involve weekly sessions for many months. This can be expensive, however in Australia psychiatrists are covered by Medicare, and rebates are now provided for visits to clinical psychologists.
Where do you get it?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is offered by some counsellors, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Counsellors and clinical psychologists are listed in the Yellow Pages. To see a psychiatrist, you would need a referral from a GP.
Recommendation
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a helpful treatment for depression, but has not been as well researched as cognitive behaviour therapy.
Key references
Churchill R, Hunot V, Corney R, Knapp M, McGuire H, Tylee A, Wessely S. A systematic review of controlled trials of the effectiveness of brief psychological treatments for depression. Health Technology Assessment 2001; 5: No. 35.
Leichsenring F. Comparative effects of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in depression: a meta-analytic approach. Clinical Psychology Review 2001; 21: 401-419.