Psychodynamic Therapy & Your Family

Home
How To: Psychodynamic Therapy & Your Family

Psychodynamic Therapy & Your Family

A Black American therapist talks with a Black American tween girl in an office.

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) began with work by Sigmund Freud. It looks at how past experiences impact your thoughts and behaviors. The goal of this therapy is to understand the reasons why we think, feel, and act in certain ways. To help, therapists may spend time exploring:

Emotions
Past experiences
Dreams
Relationships
Thoughts/things a person tends to avoid

Reasons why some families choose psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy uses the relationship with the therapist to help improve other relationships in a person’s life.
Psychodynamic therapy can have lasting results, while results of other therapy types may fade.
Psychodynamic therapy is covered by most major insurance policies for concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to self-esteem and relationship problems.
Psychodynamic therapy is free-flowing. This can be helpful for people who enjoy less structure.
Psychodynamic therapy is evidence-based. Research supports improved relationships and lasting symptom reduction.

You can find psychodynamic therapy providers in our directory by selecting “Child Counseling” (children) or “Caregiver Centered Care” (adults) in the first column. You can also contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for help.

Reasons why some families choose other therapies

Because psychodynamic therapy focuses on emotions and thoughts, it may not work with younger children or people who struggle with abstract ideas. Families who want to change behavior in young children sometimes use behavioral therapies or parent training instead.
Psychodynamic therapy can be time consuming and intensive. Many psychoanalytic treatments last a year or more and include sessions once or twice a week. Families who need shorter therapies sometimes choose cognitive therapies instead.
To be successful in psychodynamic therapy, people must be willing to explore past experiences that may be stressful or triggering. Families who prefer more present-focused therapies may choose to work with behavioral therapists, cognitive therapists, or other providers.

You can find other professionals in our directory too – or ask a Family Resource Specialist for help.

To learn more:

Connecting for Kids (CFK) encourages families to learn as much as they can before choosing therapies. In addition to working with your child’s primary care provider, families should:

Ask adults who share a diagnosis with your child.

The CFK community includes many parents and caregivers with disabilities.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.
Learn from other disabled adults using the Voices section in our Disability & Inclusion guide.

Ask other parents or caregivers who use psychodynamic therapy.

The CFK community includes many families who use psychodynamic therapy.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.

Ask a professional who uses psychodynamic therapy.

Before starting with any new professional, it’s a good idea to learn about their practice. These questions can help you to find a good fit for your family.

Explore resources.

CFK Podcast: Academic Anxiety
Psychology Today: Psychodynamic Therapy
The Clay Center: What is Psychodynamic Child Psychotherapy?
VeryWell Mind: What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Choosing your path:

It’s normal and natural to have strong feelings about the choices we make for our children. We want what’s best for them and we tend to agree with people who make similar decisions.

Our strong feelings can also mean that we struggle to listen to people who make choices that are different from our own. We encourage you to listen to different voices so you can learn more. And remember, no matter what you decide, your voice is an important part of the CFK community.

Back to Treatment Options List

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145