Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT) focuses on increased self awareness and self knowledge. Psychodynamic Therapy is often confused with Psychoanalysis. The latter one was founded by Sigmund Freud and focuses on a change in the deeper structure of a persons being though years of psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic Therapy is also based on Sigmund Freud’s theories but the method differs in the therapy goals and in that Psychodynamic Therapy isn’t as time consuming and intense. When working with Psychodynamic Therapy there’s often focus on how past relationships in early life, and experiences of relational kind, have affected how we feel and are today. PDT often has a main focus on processing past experiences and how they impact emotions that are present here and now.

The theory behind it is that different conflicts in our emotional life that we aren’t fully aware of are causing us problems or pain. By processing previous relationships and early experiences we can become more aware of the conflicts we have within us and access our needs and longings. The method can also take partial focus on what kind of emotions and experiences that arises during the therapy sessions, the alliance, and through processing create meaning of them. 

Since PDT as a method allows a lot of exploration of the past I find it interesting and helpful for several types of problems. Through PDT as a method the client can process the past and things that haven’t been resolved in a satisfying way which many clients feel that they struggle with. The relational focus can bring a lot of clarity to the clients and I find that it is helpful for clients in understanding current patterns of how they relate as well.

As in all the methods I work with we will start with talking about you individual goals and preferences for therapy method. I will give you suggestions based in what themes we’ll decide to work with. The first sessions we will explore goals and your life history, both when it comes to relations, work, interest, family history but also more practical parts of life that affects us such as daily routines.

Hi, my name is Anna Kindvall and I’m a Swedish psychologist based in Barcelona. I offer therapy and counselling in Swedish and English from my office 5 minutes from Plaça de Catalunya as well as online.