It includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly unconscious, and between the different structures of the personality.

Psychodynamic approach:

• Focus on unconscious/internal conflicts.
• Unconscious motivation
• Adult behaviour shaped by childhood experiences.
• Developed therapy called psychoanalysis – unconscious can be looked into consciously

Like psychoanalysis and  psychoanalytic therapy, the aim of psychodynamic therapy is to bring the unconscious mind into consciousness – helping individuals to unravel, experience and understand their true, deep-rooted feelings in order to resolve them.

The psychodynamic approach is designed to help individuals with a wide range of problems, but tends to be most effective in treating more specific issues such as anxiety disorders (i.e.  phobias and  obsessive compulsive disorders). There does however tend to be a certain type of individual who responds particularly well to psychodynamic therapy.

These individuals are genuinely interested in exploring themselves, and seek self-knowledge in addition to symptom relief. They will have the capacity for self-reflection and a natural curiosity for their internal life and why they behave the way they do.