Psychodynamic therapy recognises that the unconscious mind stores memories, thoughts and feelings that we are unaware of. These unconscious processes can have a direct link to our conscious thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
In a psychodynamic therapy session, the therapist actively listens to the client in an empathetic and non-judgemental way which encourages the client to open up and explore unresolved conflict buried within their unconscious. This uncovering of unconscious processes can help the client to understand their moods and behaviours further and feel empowered to make a positive change in their lives.
The client-therapist relationship is important in psychodynamic therapy as re-directed feelings can be transferred onto the therapist. An experienced therapist who knows her own cognitive processes well, will be able to recognise the unconscious transference of the clients emotions and have the ability to interpret and reflect back to the client. This is a powerful therapy tool as the client does not realise at times what she/he is doing and a realisation of this can aid in a deeper understanding of the self and facilitate therapeutic growth.
In psychodynamic therapy, the therapist will at times interject with his/her own thoughts and hypothesis in relation to the client. These can be concepts that the client may be unaware of and may contribute to facilitating a deeper understanding of self and positive personal growth for the client.
