Written by: Banyan Editorial Staff   |   Medically reviewed by: Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne - Chief Medical Officer   |   Edited: February 2025 

Psychodynamic Therapy at Banyan

Sigmund Freud headed the development of psychodynamic therapy as a treatment for many challenges in a person’s life. He believed that the personality consists of the ID, Ego, and Superego. Each component acts together to unconsciously influence our perceptions and actions, with the Superego and Ego acting like the tip of an iceberg where our conscious mind exists. Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach used to address addiction and other challenges. This therapy works to address the unconscious mind, the hidden part of the iceberg, to better control conscious thoughts. At Banyan, we take a modern approach to utilizing psychodynamic therapy as a part of our drug and alcohol detox in Stuart.

Psychodynamic View of Addiction

Today, psychodynamic therapy isn’t the classic image of a person spewing random thoughts from a chez lounge. It does involve discussion and treatment from a trained professional in psychodynamic therapy, but it is more involved on the patient end these days.

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For some people, addiction is viewed as a learning disorder, while others see it is a disease. Because psychodynamic therapists see addiction as a defense mechanism and anxiety issue with the subconscious attempting to control the conscious mind, addiction is viewed as an issue with self-regulation. For a psychodynamic therapist, addiction’s challenges may be caused by a variety of unresolved issues within the subconscious mind. Past childhood trauma, stress, PSTD, and other issues may cause a person to self-medicate through substance abuse. Abuse soon turns to dependency and addiction forms.

Psychodynamic Therapy for Sobriety

At Banyan Detox Center, we utilize psychodynamic therapy and other therapies at our drug and alcohol detox. This one-on-one therapy approach involves discussion and free thought. Typically, psychodynamic therapy is a short-term treatment path used to identify and address underlying factors within a person’s addiction. As the therapist uncovers underlying factors in a person’s challenges, the therapist is able to address each challenge.

For example, psychodynamic therapy may uncover past trauma that has been repressed. If this trauma or other factors are found, they must be addressed through therapy. Psychodynamic therapy allows for the healing of addiction’s underlying causes through personalized therapy. When used in conjunction with additional treatment methods, psychodynamic therapy can help you or someone you love find sobriety.

Is Psychodynamic Therapy Inpatient or Outpatient?

Psychodynamic Therapy is available all throughout the treatment continuum, whether you are currently in inpatient at Banyan Detox Center or outpatient at one of our other treatment facilities. Our psychodynamic therapy is effective with outpatient and inpatient care. That being said, there are many benefits of intensive inpatient care and psychodynamic therapy on the inpatient level. Inpatient care allows patients to focus solely on their recovery and growth at our center for drug and alcohol detox in Stuart.

We also offer psychodynamic therapy as a component of our outpatient treatment services at our other locations. On an outpatient basis, patients meet with their psychodynamic therapist regularly to discuss their challenges. Inpatient or outpatient, psychodynamic therapy can help with healing and growth.

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Getting Help for Yourself or a Loved One

If you are searching for help for yourself or someone you love, contact our treatment professionals at Banyan Treatment Centers. We offer medical detoxification, intensive inpatient treatment, residential treatment, and more. Call us today at (855) 908-0663 to learn more about psychodynamic therapy and our other approaches to treatment at Banyan Treatment Centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the goal of psychodynamic therapy?
The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help individuals uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts that influence their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. By exploring past experiences and their impact on present functioning, this therapeutic approach fosters greater self-awareness and emotional growth. Through psychodynamic interventions, such as exploring defense mechanisms and identifying recurring patterns, clients can develop healthier coping strategies and improved interpersonal relationships.
2What is the difference between psychodynamic therapy and CBT?
While both psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are effective approaches, they differ in focus and methodology:

Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on exploring unconscious influences and past experiences to understand current emotional struggles. This approach often delves deeply into personal history, relationships, and emotions.

CBT: Primarily emphasizes identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors in the present. It is more structured, goal-oriented, and short-term.

A key distinction lies in their focus: the psychodynamic model seeks insight into deep-rooted emotional issues, while CBT aims for immediate behavior modification.
3What are some psychodynamic questions to ask?
Therapists using psychodynamic techniques may ask questions designed to encourage reflection and self-awareness, such as:

"Can you describe a recurring dream or memory that stands out to you?"
"How do you feel your past relationships have influenced your current ones?"
"What emotions come up for you when discussing this topic?"
"Are there patterns in your behavior that you notice but don’t fully understand?"

These psychodynamic therapy interventions aim to uncover underlying emotions, patterns, and motivations.
4What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
While effective for many, psychodynamic therapy has some limitations:

- Time-Intensive: This approach often requires longer treatment periods, making it less suitable for individuals seeking immediate results.
- Subjectivity: Insights gained are largely interpretative, which can vary depending on the therapist’s perspective.
- Not Structured: Unlike CBT, it may lack clear, measurable goals.
- Limited for Severe Conditions: May not be ideal as a standalone treatment for certain acute mental health disorders.

Despite these limitations, psychodynamic treatment can be highly beneficial when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for issues such as addiction, trauma, or personality disorders.
5Who benefits most from psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is particularly effective for individuals who:

- Struggle with unresolved trauma or emotional conflicts.
- Experience recurring patterns of unhealthy relationships or behaviors.
- Seek to understand the root causes of their mental health challenges.
- Value deep self-exploration and long-term personal growth.

For those with addiction issues, the psychodynamic model of addiction helps address underlying emotional pain and patterns contributing to substance use. This approach can be particularly beneficial when integrated with other therapeutic modalities offered at Banyan Treatment Centers.
6What types of psychodynamic therapy are available?
Psychodynamic therapy can include:

Brief Psychodynamic Therapy: A focused, time-limited approach designed to address specific issues or conflicts within a set number of sessions. This type is ideal for individuals seeking targeted goals and quicker resolution to immediate concerns.

Supportive Therapy: A less intensive form of psychodynamic therapy that emphasizes providing emotional support, strengthening coping mechanisms, and fostering resilience. It helps clients manage current stressors while gradually addressing deeper underlying issues.

Expressive Therapy: This approach encourages clients to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and memories freely. It aims to uncover unconscious patterns and helps clients develop greater self-awareness and emotional clarity.

Relational Therapy: Focused on understanding how early relationships influence present-day behaviors and interactions, this type helps clients explore attachment styles, recurring relationship patterns, and interpersonal dynamics to build healthier connections.

Integrative Therapy: Combines psychodynamic principles with other evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. This approach addresses both unconscious conflicts and current thought patterns, offering a holistic path to recovery.

Psychodynamic therapy at Banyan is tailored to the client’s unique needs, ensuring a flexible and individualized approach to healing and personal growth.
7What issues can psychodynamic therapy treat effectively?
Psychodynamic therapy addresses:

Addiction: Uncovers emotional pain driving substance use.
Trauma and PTSD: Processes unresolved experiences for healing.
Depression & Anxiety: Explores unconscious causes of mood disorders.
Relationship Challenges: Improves unhealthy dynamics and attachment issues.
Grief & Loss: Helps navigate emotional responses to loss.
Behavioral Patterns: Identifies and modifies self-destructive habits.

This therapy promotes self-awareness, emotional growth, and long-term recovery, especially when integrated with Banyan's holistic treatment plans.
8Which of Your Facilities Offer This Therapy?
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Medically Reviewed by:

Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne
Chief Medical Officer

Mangiacarne