The Lasting Impact of Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy

In a world where quick fixes and short-term therapy models often take center stage, long-term psychodynamic therapy offers a different approach—one that encourages deep self-exploration and transformation. While shorter therapies may focus on symptom relief, psychodynamic therapy seeks to uncover and understand the underlying psychological roots that shape who we are. I believe in providing therapy that addresses the full scope of each person’s inner world. So, let’s explore why long-term psychodynamic therapy is such a valuable and impactful journey.

What is Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in the idea that many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by unconscious processes formed during childhood (Shedler, 2010). Through this approach, therapy becomes a process of bringing those unconscious patterns to light, helping individuals understand how early experiences may continue to affect them in ways they might not realize. This therapy is often “long-term” because it’s designed to allow for a gradual, comprehensive exploration of the self, typically extending over several months or even years.

The goal isn’t simply to relieve immediate symptoms but to promote enduring changes in personality, relationships, and life outlook. Over time, individuals often experience a profound shift in their self-understanding, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness (Kernberg, 2016).

Key Benefits of Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy

1. Uncovering the Root Causes of Distress

Often, people come to therapy with symptoms like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties without fully understanding where these issues stem from. In long-term psychodynamic therapy, the therapist and client work together to explore these symptoms in depth. The aim is to trace them back to unresolved conflicts or emotional patterns from earlier life stages. By understanding these roots, clients gain clarity, which leads to a greater sense of control over their thoughts and behaviors (Caligor, Kernberg, & Clarkin, 2007).

2. Building Emotional Resilience and Tolerance

Psychodynamic therapy helps individuals increase their ability to tolerate and process difficult emotions rather than avoiding or suppressing them. Studies have shown that individuals who undergo psychodynamic therapy tend to develop greater emotional resilience and become more adept at managing stress (Leichsenring et al., 2015). Over time, clients find they are less reactive to external events and more in tune with their internal experience.

3. Improving Relationship Dynamics

One of the core principles of psychodynamic therapy is that early relationships shape our adult interactions (Fonagy & Allison, 2014). By examining these early patterns, clients can identify repetitive relational dynamics that may have become problematic. For example, someone might discover that a tendency to withdraw during conflict traces back to a childhood need to self-protect. Long-term psychodynamic therapy provides a space to reframe and reshape these patterns, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

4. Enhancing Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

Long-term therapy fosters self-awareness, allowing individuals to make more conscious choices rather than being driven by unconscious motives. As self-awareness deepens, clients often begin to experience personal growth in other areas of life. They might find themselves pursuing interests they previously avoided or developing a sense of purpose that feels authentic (Cabaniss et al., 2013). Psychodynamic therapy offers a space for this exploration, making it possible to embark on new paths that align with one’s true self.

5. Achieving Lasting Change and Symptom Relief

Though symptom relief isn’t the sole focus, long-term psychodynamic therapy does provide lasting relief from symptoms like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. Research indicates that psychodynamic therapy leads to significant, enduring improvements in mental health even after therapy ends (Shedler, 2010). By dealing with these core issues, clients typically experience sustainable improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.

6. Developing a Meaningful Therapist-Client Relationship

The therapeutic relationship in psychodynamic therapy is a powerful tool for healing. As therapy progresses, clients may experience “transference,” where they project feelings about significant people in their lives onto the therapist. This process provides a unique opportunity to understand unresolved relational patterns and to work through them in real-time with a supportive, nonjudgmental professional (Greenson, 1967). This experience can be deeply healing, setting the stage for more authentic relationships outside the therapy room.

Who Might Benefit Most from Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is a valuable approach for individuals who want to understand themselves on a deeper level. It is especially beneficial for those who have experienced complex trauma, struggle with recurring relational issues, or feel that their emotional struggles are more complex than symptoms alone. It’s also an effective path for those who feel “stuck” or seek personal growth and self-discovery beyond symptom management.

If you find that short-term therapy hasn’t fully addressed your needs or if you’re curious about exploring yourself in a more profound way, psychodynamic therapy may be the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Long-term psychodynamic therapy is a commitment, but for many, it’s a life-changing one. By addressing the layers of one’s personality and exploring the unconscious mind, clients can achieve transformative and enduring change. I'm here to support those seeking a journey of deep self-discovery, helping clients uncover and understand the full landscape of their inner world.

If you’re interested in learning more or starting your own therapeutic journey, feel free to contact me. Psychodynamic therapy can open the door to understanding and healing in ways that truly last, supporting a more fulfilled and balanced life.

Written by: Sebastian Di Cesare PhD, RCC - a Registered Clinical Counsellor & Hypnotherapist based in Vancouver, Canada.

References

Cabaniss, D. L., Cherry, S., Douglas, C. J., & Schwartz, A. R. (2013). Psychodynamic psychotherapy: A clinical manual. John Wiley & Sons.

Caligor, E., Kernberg, O. F., & Clarkin, J. F. (2007). Handbook of dynamic psychotherapy for higher level personality pathology. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Fonagy, P., & Allison, E. (2014). The role of mentalizing and epistemic trust in the therapeutic relationship. Psychotherapy, 51(3), 372–380.

Greenson, R. R. (1967). The technique and practice of psychoanalysis. International Universities Press.

Kernberg, O. F. (2016). The inseparable nature of love and aggression: Clinical and theoretical perspectives. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Leichsenring, F., Abbass, A., Luyten, P., Hilsenroth, M., & Steinert, C. (2015). Psychodynamic therapy meets evidence-based medicine: A systematic review using updated criteria. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(7), 648-660.

Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109.