Psychodynamic Therapy vs. Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is the daddy, the OG, the origin of all therapy!
It was developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Freud shared the foundation for Psychoanalysis with the publication of his major works, including "The Interpretation of Dreams" (1899) and "The Psychopathology of Everyday Life" (1901). Psychoanalysis is known for its emphasis on the unconscious mind, the role of childhood experiences, and the use of techniques like free association and dream analysis.
Today, when we talk about Psychodynamic Therapy, we’re talking about a broader term that includes various therapeutic approaches influenced by psychoanalytic principles. While psychoanalysis is a specific and intensive form of psychodynamic therapy, other psychodynamic therapies have evolved over time, including Object Relations Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Self Psychology and more. Each of these incorporates different techniques and has adapted to the ever-changing landscape of psychology. That’s not to say they’re ‘better’ because they came after, they’re just different!
So, even though they share the same root (Psychoanalysis), they have differences in their approaches and practices and we’re here to break them down for you. Let’s get into it!
Psychodynamic Therapy 🤿
Focus: Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes and how past experiences may influence present behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
Duration: It is typically shorter-term than traditional psychoanalysis.
Frequency: Sessions may occur once or twice a week.
Approach: The therapist helps us gain insight into unresolved conflicts and patterns, building self-awareness.
Techniques: While psychodynamic therapy uses some traditional psychoanalytic techniques, it may also incorporate more interactive and varied approaches depending on the specific type chosen.
Goals: The emphasis is on understanding and addressing current issues, with a focus on improving day-to-day functioning.
Psychoanalysis ✨
Focus: Psychoanalysis delves deeply into the unconscious mind, aiming to uncover repressed thoughts, feelings and memories that shape our psychological makeup.
Duration: Psychoanalysis is typically more prolonged and intensive than psychodynamic therapy, often extending for several years.
Frequency: Sessions are frequent, normally multiple times per week.
Approach: The therapist or ‘analyst’ takes a more passive role, allowing us to freely associate and explore our thoughts without much direct intervention.
Techniques: Traditional psychoanalytic techniques, such as free association, dream analysis and transference play a central role.
Goals: The main goal is comprehensive self-discovery and a deep understanding of the unconscious, leading to profound and lasting psychological change.
So, all in all, psychodynamic therapy is a broader term that encompasses various therapeutic approaches that share a focus on the unconscious mind and past experiences. Psychoanalysis is a specific and more intensive form that adheres to the classical principles of Sigmund Freud, involving frequent sessions and a deep exploration of the unconscious. Both aim to bring about insight and personal growth but differ in their intensity, techniques, and time commitment.
Personally, I’m in my 4th year of Psychoanalysis and it’s best decision I’ve ever made. I love the fact that it’s long-term, it’s a continuous space that I come to 3 times a week (I used to do 5!!) that is open for me to explore myself, and it’s taken me out of a tough spot and helped me understand, accept and move far beyond where I ever could have imagined being.
Which one’s for you? That’s just like picking your favourite ice cream: You decide! 😋