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Psychodynamic Therapy Components
Freeform Therapy Sessions
Psychodynamic therapy is different from other forms of therapy in several ways. Most importantly, it doesn’t follow a set schedule. Sessions typically last for one hour, but beyond that, each session is freeform, allowing clients to direct the conversation where they think it needs to go. If a subject gains traction, and the therapist feels that it’s beneficial, then it can become the main topic for the entire session. Psychodynamic therapy helps clients feel like they are more in control of the conversation, and they can bring up issues that matter to them. Without a set schedule, there’s a lot more flexibility for both the therapist and the client.
Exposing Pain Points and Vulnerability
One of the hardest things for clients to do in recovery is to open up and expose their vulnerabilities. Many women, especially those struggling with eating disorders, work hard to appear strong, confident, and in control at all times. However, a vital part of the healing process is letting that guard down and admitting to being hurt. By being vulnerable, even in secluded therapy sessions, clients can begin to heal. Our evidence-based treatment allows our clients to open up without fear, judgment, or shame, giving clients confidence and helping them progress on their roads to recovery.
Revealing Defense Mechanisms
Unfortunately, many clients can’t recognize that their patterns of behavior aren’t new. Through psychodynamic therapy, clients can identify the start of their eating disorder, which can provide insight into the origins of the behaviors and how to end them.
Psychodynamic therapy can be an effective way of revealing a client’s defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms are thoughts, behaviors, or actions that allow clients to keep painful or difficult memories locked away. Sometimes, clients do this subconsciously, meaning that they don’t realize they’re displaying defense mechanisms in the first place, making them that much harder to break down.
One common defense mechanism is denial. Women may sometimes argue that they don’t have an eating disorder and that they’re instead victims of overzealous worriers. Another common defense mechanism is rationalization. Women may say that because of something that happened in the past, their current behavior is logical.
Once the defense mechanisms are identified, they become less effective, making it easier for clients to confront the true issue, rather than hiding behind their defenses.
REVIEWED BY
Kate Fisch, LCSW
If you’d like to learn more about psychodynamic therapy or our other treatment offerings, our caring staff is ready to help. Call us or fill out the form to get started today.
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