Unlike other forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapist in Birmingham focuses on the sense of self. It explores the client’s deep-seated needs, their wants, their desires and their urges. The methodology, the goals and the techniques involved in psychodynamic therapy are completely different to what is used in “problem-based” therapies such as CBT.
Psychodynamic therapy reveals the power of the your conscious and subconscious thinking and their effects on your mood and thoughts.
The biggest difference in psychodynamic therapy is that clients talk about whatever they want to talk about. The therapist’s role is to ask thoughtful questions to further explore what’s going on at the back of your mind.
Since the clients are the ones that are leading the session, it’s important that they speak only to the therapist – without any filters! Only then will the client gain an authentic evaluation of their mind and its inner-workings.
Use the following tips to help you open up to a psychodynamic therapist:
1. Let them know
It can be difficult to share your darkest secrets and insecurities with a complete stranger. In order to get comfortable with your therapist, you need to build trust and that can only happen when you’re honest with them.
Let your therapists know about your anxieties about opening up. Therapists are compassionate souls that are trained not to judge. They have great empathy and generally hold their clients in high regard. If you’re having trouble opening up, tell them so they can help you out.
2. Name the anxiety
If you’re afraid of jumping into the water just dip your feet in first. Once you’re feet get accustomed to the temperature, the rest of your body can follow.
The same concept applies to therapy. If you’re hesitant about sharing a traumatic event for example, start off my naming it. The therapist will respond to whatever you say and help you open up further.
Recording your thoughts in advance also helps; the night before your session, clear your mind by writing down all the thoughts that are floating in your head. It will give you a better idea of what you want to discuss in your session.
3. Go to therapy prepared
Nobody said it wasn’t going to be easy; it’s natural to have you guard up in your first few therapy sessions. It helps to give yourself a quick pep-talk before you head out to your session.
Remind yourself of why you’re going to therapy, what you’re hoping to attain in your life and where therapy fits into it.
Know that therapy is meant to make you grow as a person so emerge as an emotionally intelligent individual who is prepared for all life has to offer – the good and the bad.
David Myers is an experienced psychodynamic therapist that has been treating clients with psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy for decades. If you’re in Birmingham, Alabama and are looking for a therapist call (205) 251-8808 to book an appointment.