At Allegro, we strive to provide a wide range of services and therapeutic modalities. Our counsellors will integrate models best suited to you, which is always a collaborative process between therapist and client.
You’ll notice, most of our clinicians include a type of therapy called psychodynamic. This is a word that’s often thrown around on the internet, but what does it actually entail?
Psychodynamics
This term originates back to the beginnings of therapeutic theories. It started with the classic, Freudian psychoanalytic technique. We’re talking clients laying down, therapists analyzing dreams, and unlocking the subconscious.
But, don’t be fooled. Psychodynamic is a broader school of thought that has evolved greatly since then. It focuses on:
- The individual’s history
- Traumatic experiences
- Cultural and social factors
- Identifying problematic patterns and behaviours
- Bringing awareness to unconscious patterns, and the thoughts associated with them.
In a nutshell, psychodynamic therapy explores the person as a whole – their memories, childhood, family, culture, thoughts, behaviours, and more. It’s a way to get to the core of a problem, and to figure out how to move forward.
What Does This Look Like?
There are many branches of psychodynamic theory, so each session will look a little different. But, in general, the steps are:
- Meeting your therapist and building the relationship
- When you’re comfortable, explaining some of your history
- Establishing your goals of therapy
- Identifying patterns and unconscious processes, such as defense mechanisms and beliefs that influence your thoughts and actions
- Working through these patterns and establishing healthier coping mechanisms
- Reviewing progress often
- Terminating the relationship when ready (and only when you feel comfortable!)
Of course, you can ask your therapist at any time what the process may look like, what their plan is, or note if you would like a change of pace.
Does It Actually Work?
Many studies indicate that psychodynamic therapy can be an effective treatment to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and some personality disorders.
Of course, results will vary from person to person.
To learn more about our therapeutic approaches, read our counsellor’s bios here or book a free, 20-minute consultation here.
