Disclaimer: This article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

In any given year, almost 20% of American adults report experiencing a mental health disorder.

While many people would agree it’s important for individuals and society as a whole to take more steps to support mental health, getting started can be intimidating. There can be many forms of therapy to choose from. It’s a process just to learn more about the different treatments, and what you can expect therapy to be like. 

One of those therapy forms is psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy is a talk therapy aimed at the specific ways a unique person has developed negative behavioral patterns, which often involves examining their subconscious drives. By uncovering these subconscious drives, a person may then be more able exert conscious control over the negative behavior patterns that are causing them harm. 

If you’re curious about psychodynamic therapy, check out BetterHelp’s guide to psychodynamic therapists to learn more: 

www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-does-a-psychodynamic-therapist-do/

It’s only natural to have questions about the benefits and effectiveness of PDT. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most commonly asked questions about psychodynamic therapy to get a fuller understanding of what to expect from this mode of therapy. 

What Is The Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Therapy in Treating Depression? 

When we look at the benefits and proven effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy, it’s important to remember that certain forms of therapy are better suited to certain people. And that’s okay. 

Recent studies have found psychodynamic therapy (PDT) to be on par with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in its effectiveness. According to recently published research in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy both demonstrate similar levels of effectiveness in their ability to treat depression. 

Is Psychodynamic Therapy Viewed Positively In The Mental Health Community? 

While the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy has come under examination and been validated in studies, for some questions remain due to the association of psychodynamic therapy with Freudian psychoanalysis. While some still believe psychoanalysis to be a valid form of treatment, others question whether psychoanalysis is even relevant due to his outdated theories and debunked principles. Of even more interest is the continuing lack of scientific data supporting Freud’s theories. 

It’s important to distinguish that while PDT shares some roots with psychoanalysis, these are different therapy modalities. Unlike psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy has been studied and is supported by data. 

Can Psychodynamic Therapy Be Combined With Other Therapy Modalities?

Different therapists have different preferred ways of working and some may even employ multiple modalities in treatment. For example, a therapist may use psychodynamic therapy in the beginning of the treatment process to uncover some of the causes and negative events that may have brought them into therapy. Then the therapist may switch to a CBT modality to help the person reframe the issues that have been identified. 

If you believe a certain kind of therapy may be most beneficial to you, don’t hesitate to have a discussion with your therapist about their preferred modalities of treatment. If you know you want to engage with a certain kind of therapist, consider trying an online therapy platform. With online therapy, you may be able to access more specialized therapists than you would if you were limited to working with therapists within driving distance of where you live and work. 

How Long Does Psychodynamic Therapy Take to Work?

There’s no right answer to how long therapy will take, which is different from certain modalities like CBT that are more schedule-based in their approach. For example with cognitive behavioral therapy, a person will often participate in a program with a set beginning, middle, and end – with a complete course of CBT typically lasting 12-20 sessions. 

With psychodynamic therapy, there’s no set schedule. It’s more a matter of what unique challenges an individual is facing. Often people spend 6-12 months in PDT or longer. According to the National Institutes of Health, two years is a typical timeframe for someone who has entered into psychodynamic therapy treatment. 

Is Psychodynamic Therapy a Good Fit?

We hope this article has inspired you to want to explore more about psychodynamic therapy and other ways to better care for your mental health. No matter what you’re facing, remember you’re not alone. There’s help out there when you’re ready to take the next step.