What Is Psychodynamic Therapy About?
Psychodynamic therapy is grounded in the belief that emotional difficulties often stem from internal
experiences that are not fully conscious. It believes that our early relationships, unspoken losses, and unmet
needs often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. These early experiences can leave emotional
imprints that continue to influence our current patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior—even when we are
not aware of their origins.
Emotions as Signals of Deeper Experience
Psychodynamic therapy sees emotions as meaningful signals that point toward something deeper. It encourages
exploration through questions such as: Why might I feel this way? Where did this reaction come from? How
might my past relationships be shaping how I experience the present? These inquiries are not just theoretical.
They help bring awareness to internal conflicts, emotional blind spots, and patterns that may otherwise
continue to operate outside of conscious awareness.
Bringing the Unconscious Into Awareness
One of the central aims of psychodynamic therapy is to help make the unconscious more conscious. The
therapy assumes that much of our distress arises from automatic patterns we have developed to manage pain,
protect ourselves, or maintain connection. These may include relational roles we fall into, emotional defenses
that once served us, or internalized voices that guide how we treat ourselves. By bringing these dynamics into
the light, therapy creates space for new choices and more flexible ways of responding.
Understanding the Function of Symptoms
Psychodynamic therapy also assumes that symptoms often serve important psychological functions. For
example, anxiety might act as a protective barrier against grief, and self-criticism may be an internalized strategy
for safety or control. These experiences are not seen as errors to correct, but as meaningful adaptations to earlier
circumstances. The goal is to understand them with clarity and compassion, rather than to silence or override
them.
Treating the Whole Person
At its core, psychodynamic therapy aims to treat the person, not just the problem. It views each individual as
unique, with a layered emotional history that matters. The process invites a deeper understanding of the
self—how it was formed, what it has learned to expect, and what it needs in order to grow. When this kind of
insight develops, many symptoms begin to soften. Not because they were pushed away, but because the person
has shifted from within.
Thanks for reading.
My name is Amber, and I’m a Master’s-level mental health counselor in training, practicing under supervision
at South Tampa Therapy. I offer warm, collaborative psychodynamic therapy rooted in insight, self-
compassion, and a deep respect for your lived experience. If this kind of work speaks to you, you can book a
session with me here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/Amber