Psychodynamic Therapy
Uncovering your past can clear a path for your future. Psychodynamic Therapy helps clients understand the effects of unconscious decisions and emotions.
Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy
Who we are is not only influenced by how we view ourselves and act, but also by our unconscious thoughts. These thoughts often go unnoticed and, for some, are even repressed.
Psychodynamic therapy helps clients understand why they are the way they are. Once they have a better grasp of buried emotions and thought processes, they can take control of their actions. It can help with a number of conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Anorexia nervosa
- Borderline personality disorder
- Addiction
So much of who we are lies under the surface, yet has so much power over us. Understanding how these hidden thoughts and emotions influence our actions helps us create a path forward.
Exploring the Unconscious
Psychodynamic therapy looks very similar to other forms of talk therapy. Therapists will sit down with a client and talk through how they’re feeling. The biggest difference is that instead of dealing with negative thoughts, it deals with unconscious thoughts.
Becoming fully aware of these buried thoughts is much easier said than done. Luckily, therapists have several tools they use during psychodynamic therapy to help create a little more lucidity in their clients’ behavior.
IDENTIFY PATTERNS AND UNDERSTAND EMOTIONS
The first step in psychodynamic therapy is to identify current behavior patterns and emotions. Once the client understands how they are feeling and acting, their therapist guides them to trace the “whys” of those emotions and behaviors.
FREE ASSOCIATION
Free association is an exercise where therapists say a word and the client responds with the first thing that comes to mind. When we let our mind speak quickly and freely, we may find some thoughts we didn’t know were there.
DREAM ANALYSIS
Our unconsciousness tends to spill out when we dream. Some people believe dreams have universal meanings while others think they are unique to each person. Psychotherapy clients may learn something about themselves from their dreams.
RORSCHACH INKBLOTS
Our unconscious thoughts can shape how we see things. Rorschach inkblots are abstract images, and clients will describe what they “see” in the image. Like free association, inkblots help clients to stop filtering their thoughts.
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
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