Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy, a modern therapy, originates from traditional (Freudian) psychoanalysis and there are some similarities between them and many differences.
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| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis |
In fact, all therapy originates with Freud, but contemporary psychodynamic therapy has evolved beyond Freudian psychoanalysis in many ways.
Both traditional psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy are depth-oriented therapies that strive to get to the root of the client's problems, but there are significant differences between them.
How is Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Different From Traditional Psychoanalysis?
- Frequency and Setting: Whereas clients attend traditional psychoanalysis anywhere from 3-5 times a week, clients in contemporary psychodynamic therapy tend to meet once a week either in person or online.
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| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis |
- Focus: In traditional psychoanalysis there tends to be a deep, extensive exploration of unconscious conflict, early childhood and dream analysis. In contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy, although the unconscious is important, the focus tends to be on current life problems, current interpersonal relationships, emotional expression and recurring patterns which often originate from earlier relationships.
- Therapist's Role: The therapist's role is a "blank slate" in traditional Freudian psychoanalysis. The neutrality of the traditional psychoanalyst is seen as important to encourage the client's transference which the therapist interprets. However, in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy the therapist's role is more interactive and dynamic. Instead of just focusing only on the client's transference, psychodynamic therapy focuses on the relationship between the client and therapist--in other words, it focuses on both transference/countertransference of the client and therapist.
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| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis |
- Duration: Whereas traditional psychoanalysis tends to last for years, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be shorter and more focused.
- Goal: The goal of traditional psychoanalysis is usually to gain insight into repressed conflicts to resolve them. Depending upon the goals of the client, in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy the goal tends to be improved functioning and self understanding for the client's current challenges.
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| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Psychoanalysis |
- Accessibility: Compared to traditional psychoanalysis, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be more accessible for common problems like depression and anxiety.
- Technique: Whereas traditional psychoanalysis tends to be Freudian, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy incorporate elements from various other modern theories, including objection relations and attachment theories, among others, not just Freudian psychoanalysis.
My Next Article:
In my next article, I'll discuss Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a cutting edge trauma therapy which is a psychodynamic psychotherapy.
About Me
I am a licensed New York psychotherapist who is a psychodynamic psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Parts Work (IFS and Ego States Therapy), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.
I work with individual adults and couples.
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.
To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.