Psychodynamic therapy techniques are utilized in treating a variety of mental disorders and other related conditions like substance use disorders (SUD).
By focusing on the root causes of these disorders, specifically emotional suffering, the psychodynamic approach to therapy promotes self-reflection, increased self-awareness, and recovery. As a nationwide addiction treatment center that offers this treatment approach, we wanted to share the benefits of psychodynamic therapy for treating addiction.
Psychodynamic Therapy Definition
Psychodynamic therapy is the psychological interpretation of emotional and mental processes. This form of therapy grew out of psychologist Sigmund Freud’s theories and has since developed over time. This form of therapy focuses on the roots of emotional suffering and promotes self-reflection and recovery by focusing on the unconscious state of a person’s psyche. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to address the formation of psychological processes related to emotions, thoughts, life experiences, and beliefs, and how these processes relate to the person’s condition. Simply put, psychodynamic treatment analyzes a person’s unconscious reactions to certain things, people, and situations, and tries to find the source of these reactions. Identifying the source of certain reactions, like childhood trauma, can aid in treating mental illness and addiction. Some psychodynamic therapy examples include the Rorschach Inkblot test and the Freudian slip.
Banyan Treatment Centers offers psychodynamic therapy in Florida and stands by the efficacy of this treatment method. Our program has helped numerous patients understand the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to their addictions and how best to overcome them. Our program can help you or a loved one heal from addiction, as well.
Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy for Addiction Treatment
When treating addiction, psychodynamic therapy involves identifying the source of the person’s emotional distress and how this distress relates to their condition. This treatment approach usually focuses on the effect of past or childhood experiences, such as trauma. Trauma-related issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are often linked to substance abuse, so the efficiency of using this treatment approach, in this case, is understandable. When paired with mental health treatment, psychodynamic therapy offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Increased self-awareness
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased self-confidence
- Increased ability to have healthier and satisfying relationships
- Increased ability to identify toxic behavior in relationships
- Increased understanding of self and others
- Increased ability to recognize and properly address a wider range of emotions
- Increased ability to face stress and triggers in recovery
These benefits continuously progress over time, especially when the person continues to receive therapy in recovery. Banyan believes in utilizing various unique addiction therapies, like the psychodynamic method and group therapy, to offer patients comprehensive care that focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of addiction.
If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol use, we can help. Call our rehab center now at 888-280-4763 for more information about our addiction treatment programs.
