Does psychotherapy work?
Does Psychotherapy Work, and How?
Psychotherapy has long been regarded as an effective tool for managing and improving mental health. But how exactly does it work? At its core, psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a therapist and a client, designed to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Different therapeutic approaches offer various pathways to healing, but they all share a commitment to helping individuals understand themselves better, resolve distress, and achieve personal growth.
Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work as Well as Other Forms?
Psychodynamic therapy, a key offering at our practice, is grounded in the understanding that much of our behavior is influenced by unconscious motives, unresolved past conflicts, and patterns established in early relationships. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other approaches such as solution-focused therapy are often structured and goal-oriented, psychodynamic therapy takes a deeper dive into a person’s internal world.
Research supports the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy, particularly for those seeking long-term change. A meta-analysis of psychodynamic treatments found that the benefits continued to increase even after therapy ended, whereas the benefits of other short-term modalities, like CBT, often plateau once sessions stop. For clients looking to make meaningful, lasting changes, psychodynamic therapy offers a distinctive advantage.
Why Might Psychodynamic Therapy Be Better for Some Issues?
Psychodynamic therapy is particularly well-suited for addressing issues with deep-rooted emotional conflicts, attachment difficulties, and relational problems. It's a great fit for individuals seeking to understand the "why" behind their behaviors or for those who have felt stuck in repeated patterns in relationships, work, or life in general.
Conditions like depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and complex trauma often benefit from this approach because it helps people understand how their past shapes their present experience. By exploring and processing these deep emotional layers, psychodynamic therapy creates opportunities for profound insight and transformation. For those who may feel unsatisfied with quick fixes or short-term relief, this therapeutic model offers a more enduring solution.
What Issues Is It Best For?
Psychodynamic therapy is especially effective in helping clients work through:
- Chronic anxiety and depression that haven’t responded to other forms of treatment
- Relationship difficulties, including attachment issues, trust problems, and communication breakdowns
- Unexplained emotional patterns, such as repeated failures in achieving life goals or fulfilling relationships
- Trauma that has lingered unresolved from childhood or adolescence
- Self-esteem and identity struggles, where clients feel disconnected or uncertain about their true selves
What Do Sessions Look Like?
In a psychodynamic session, the client and therapist work together to explore thoughts, emotions, dreams, and relational dynamics. These sessions tend to be open-ended, where the client is encouraged to speak freely and reflect on both their inner experiences and interactions with others.
The therapist will often gently guide the conversation, helping the client to make connections between their current challenges and past experiences. Insights are not imposed, but rather emerge through reflection and discussion. Over time, the client can begin to see recurring themes in their thoughts and relationships, allowing them to make conscious changes that lead to healthier emotional functioning.
Unlike some therapies that provide structured homework or techniques to manage symptoms, psychodynamic therapy focuses on a deeper exploration of the self. For individuals seeking lasting change through self-awareness and insight, this approach offers a powerful, transformative experience.
Our NYC therapists at Ryan M. Kull PhD & Associates believe in the power of deeply understanding your personal narrative in order to create meaningful and lasting change. Psychodynamic therapy can be a vital tool in that journey. If you’re ready to take the next step toward insight and growth, contact us today.