What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy, also called dynamic therapy, is an approach to therapy that is sometimes used in addiction treatment. The therapy helps people by giving them a broader understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Many people in the early stages of addiction recovery may have trouble identifying self-defeating behaviors and what causes them. Thoughts and feelings are often a part of the puzzle. Learning how to interrupt unhelpful or negative thoughts and replace them

How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work?

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy facilitated by a therapist, usually one-on-one. It’s an ideal therapy to help people who want to make changes in their lives and be healthier and happier. The therapist works hard to learn about their client's problems and helps them identify thought processes and emotions surrounding their biggest challenges.

Many thought processes can be considered addictive behavior when it comes to addiction. This behavior comes from physical and emotional dependence on the drug.

Once the drug is removed and a person has detoxed, behaviors need to change. People in recovery often work hard to recognize their feelings and learn to respond healthily. Psychodynamic therapy can play a big part in achieving that goal.

Having a professional work with an addicted person to help provide insight can play a crucial role in treatment. This can also help people map out things they want to change or work on. Some people use psychodynamic therapy to work on one specific goal over the course of several months, while others may want to work on different things over many years.

Who Needs Psychodynamic Therapy?

Almost anyone can benefit from this type of therapy. That’s why psychodynamic treatment is so popular. People with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders can make positive life changes and build their confidence.

Psychodynamics typically focuses on three things:

1. Identifying harmful behavior patterns. There are many behaviors people need to work on in recovery, such as minimizing the effects of addiction and or breaking the chains of codependence with a relative. (For example manipulating a loved one for money or other favors.)
2. Understanding emotions and how they may cause self-destructive or otherwise harmful behavior. Where do those feelings come from? How can those feelings start to change?
3. Building healthy relationships is also an essential part of psychodynamic therapy. Whether with a sponsor, a therapist, parent, or spouse, relationships are a healthy part of life and very important to recovery.

While many programs offer cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy can also benefit people recovering from addiction. Talking with a counselor or program manager can help you learn about what treatment programs offer. Addiction recovery is not one-size-fits-all.

Getting Help For Addiction

Do you or a loved one need help for addiction? People from all walks of life have learned to live substance-free and reclaim their lives in recovery. Call us at 619-363-4767 to learn more about our detox and recovery programs.