Zijin Zhang, LPC, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Philadelphia, PA
Psychodynamic Therapy
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a depth oriented approach that helps you better understand how your thoughts, emotions, past experiences, and relationships influence the way you experience life today.
Many of the patterns we develop early in life continue to shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we respond to stress or emotional challenges. Often, these patterns operate outside of our awareness. Psychodynamic therapy creates space to gently explore these experiences so they can become clearer and more understandable.
This approach is not only about reducing symptoms. It is also about gaining insight, developing self awareness, and supporting meaningful and lasting change.
How does Psychodynamic Therapy work?
In our work together, we may explore:
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How unconscious thoughts and feelings influence your experiences
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Repeating patterns in relationships and emotional responses
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Ways you may protect yourself from discomfort, often without realizing it
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Early experiences and how they shape your current relationships
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Internal beliefs about yourself and others
A key part of this approach is paying attention to what happens in the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings during sessions. These moments can offer important insight into patterns that also show up in your life outside of therapy.
What happens in sessions?
Sessions are guided by what feels most important to you at the time. There is no fixed agenda, which allows the space to feel open and responsive to your needs.
In sessions, we may:
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Talk about current challenges or emotional experiences
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Explore thoughts and feelings as they arise
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Notice patterns in your relationships and responses
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Reflect on past experiences and how they connect to the present
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Pay attention to emotional reactions that may feel strong or confusing
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Explore how you relate to the therapy process itself
The pace of therapy is flexible. Some sessions may feel reflective and exploratory, while others may focus more on specific concerns you are facing in your daily life.
Why focus on the past?
The goal of psychodynamic therapy is not to dwell on the past but to understand how it continues to shape the present.
Many of the ways we cope, relate, and protect ourselves were developed earlier in life. These patterns often served an important purpose at the time. However, they may no longer feel helpful or may contribute to current distress.
By exploring these experiences, you can:
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Develop a more compassionate understanding of yourself
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Recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you
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Create space for new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating
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Respond to situations with greater choice and awareness
Key Concepts in DBT