Psychodynamic therapy is an effective primary or complementary therapy for many common complaints. Psychodynamic therapists work in depth to identify and explore recurring themes and patterns in clients’ thoughts, feelings, relationships and life experiences. This approach can help clients to build tolerance for uncomfortable emotions and other difficulties, and can lead to healthier behaviours.

In this way, psychotherapy can decrease the burden on physicians and other referring professionals by reducing office visits for ongoing conditions and refractory cases. Some Psychotherapists can also work as part of a circle of care with other health professionals.

Psychodynamic therapists have success working with a variety of concerns including:

  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Career/work
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Divorce and separation
  • Fertility/infertility
  • Grief/loss
  • Intergenerational trauma
  • LGBTQ
  • Obsessive/compulsive tendencies
  • Parenting
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Relationships/family
  • Sexuality and gender
  • Spirituality
  • Trauma

How is psychotherapy different from psychiatry and psychology?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that who have specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Since they have completed their study of medicine, psychiatrists can prescribe medication to clients, should they need it.

While psychotherapy is a treatment that is employed by a variety of mental health professionals – including psychiatrists and psychologists – it is the sole focus of training for psychotherapists.