When most people think of psychotherapy they think of psychodynamic psychotherapy. And they often think of Freud. Many of Freud’s hypotheses and methods are no longer the norm. Some of them remain part of the foundation of psychodynamic therapy. There have been many psychologists and psychiatrists who have contributed to the development and enhancement of the field since Freud’s time. Their insights and methods have helped to improve and maintain the modality as a sound and effective one.
The basic theory of psychodynamic psychotherapy posits that all of us are endowed with both conscious and unconscious thoughts. Dreams are the classic example of unconscious thoughts. While conscious thoughts can cause us trouble sometimes, it is the unconscious ones that most often get us into conflict. They are, by definition, thoughts that we are not aware of. As a consequence, they influence our behaviors and can lead us to make decisions and act in ways that create conflicts with others in our lives. By identifying those thoughts and feelings under the surface of our conscious awareness and bringing them into our conscious mind, we can explore them and look at them for what they are. By doing so we can furthermore start to recognize the ways in which those thoughts and feelings have led to actions that may not have served us well in the past and may have led to patterns of behavior that created a multitude of problems. When we identify those unconscious motivators and patterns of behavior we can start to modify and replace them with more constructive ones that lead to healthier relationships and greater fulfillment.
Services
If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or another mental health concern, it can impact all aspects of your life. You may become distant in your relationships, struggle in your career or even find it difficult to enjoy your favorite activities. When faced with a physical ailment, it’s perfectly reasonable to see a doctor for professional advice. Why shouldn’t mental and emotional health be treated with the same importance? Keep in mind that you are not alone; many people struggle with mental health issues and the good news is that many of them are highly treatable. They don’t have to stop you from enjoying your life. If you’ve been thinking about speaking to a mental health counselor, make an appointment with a therapist today at Qlarity Counseling.
Please click on the different sections below for a brief explanation of how each type of therapy typically works.