Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Abstract

Psychodynamic theories, concepts, and practice have had a sustained influence on how we understand and treat mental health. Psychodynamic psychotherapies are person-oriented approaches that primarily focus on a patient's internal reality and subjective perceptions, with notable attention given to psychological processes occurring outside conscious awareness. This article summarizes the origin and evolution of psychodynamic psychotherapy before reviewing the core components and unifying themes of this treatment modality. Approaches, processes, and techniques characteristic of psychodynamic psychotherapy are then outlined and a concise examination of the research evidence supporting psychodynamic psychotherapy is offered. Empirical studies and informative resources are cited throughout.