Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic therapy is an insight-oriented therapy aimed at gaining insight into the feelings that drive behavior and emotions. In conversations with the therapist, you reflect on recent events and past experiences. Psychotherapy helps with symptoms such as depression, unexplained anxiety, and reducing unfavorable personality traits.

Due to the emphasis on short-term treatment methods in mental health care, the availability of psychodynamic therapy is increasingly under pressure. This is unfortunate. After all, the effectiveness of psychotherapy goes beyond simply reducing symptoms; it also strengthens confidence in one's own abilities and actions. See also the English document. Effectiveness of psychotherapy.

For example, after psychotherapy, clients may experience greater satisfaction in pursuing long-term goals, respond calmly to emotional triggers, and find fulfillment in performing daily activities. In relationships, clients can develop greater empathy for others and also develop interpersonal assertiveness.

Furthermore, afterward, clients are more able to perceive emotionally threatening information and transform it into helpful thoughts and support. Clients are also less distressed by thoughts of painful past experiences.

How does psychodynamic therapy work for you?

In psychodynamic therapy, you need to be curious about yourself. The therapist invites you to explore together whether there are patterns that cause you to repeatedly encounter the same psychological problems. These are ways of feeling, thinking, and acting that have developed over the course of your life. These have become patterns that now keep repeating themselves, often without you even realizing it.

You and the therapist will work together to clarify the ideas and desires behind your patterns and the emotions associated with them. By clarifying this, you create space for potential change. You can begin to adapt and process the patterns underlying your symptoms. This helps reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. See also the document. Psychodynamic psychotherapy Individual of the NPI.

Conversations in psychodynamic therapy

During the sessions, you and the therapist will explore your symptoms and problems together. I (Jaap) usually ask you to initiate the conversation. The idea is that you share as much of what comes to mind as possible, leaving out as little information as possible. It's difficult to say beforehand what's important and what's not. These can include interactions with others, memories, feelings, thoughts, fantasies, and dreams. They can also discuss things you're experiencing in your life, but also how you experience your interaction with the therapist. This way, the therapist can better understand your symptoms and problems.

Psychodynamic therapy for whom?

Psychodynamic therapy is possible if you don't have any major psychosocial problems. It's important that you can concentrate sufficiently on the sessions and aren't overwhelmed by acute issues such as financial worries and addictive behavior.

Start with a no-obligation orientation meeting

During an orientation meeting, you can ask any questions you'd like. The goal of an orientation meeting is also to determine whether therapy is a good way to address your concerns. I will strive to understand you as best as possible and point out opportunities for personal development.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy