Definition:
Psychodynamic therapy refers to the general clinical approach that try to get a client to experience and understand their true feelings.
The approach assumes everyone has an unconscious/subconscious mind that often holds on to feelings that are to difficult to face. In an effort to continue to suppress these feelings, individuals develop and engage in sometimes elaborate defense mechanisms to prevent these painful feelings from surfacing. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to allow the client to access these painful feelings in a safe environment, experience the true feelings, and resolve the inner conflict. As a reult, overall functioning is improved.
Psychodynamic therapy can be quite time consuming, but can be very effective for addressing specific issues. It is important that the therapist develop an unconditional acceptance of the client, and that the client trust that, for the therapy to be successful.
Also Known As: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
