Therapeutic approach
PsychodynamicPsychodynamic & Interpersonal Therapy
Explores how past experiences, unconscious patterns, and relationships shape current feelings, including psychodynamic therapy and IPT.
Key information you should know
- Explores how past experiences and relationships shape how you feel and relate today.
- Includes psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).
- IPT is more structured and focuses on mood-linked relationship patterns.
Psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies focus on how earlier experiences, recurring patterns, and relationships influence how you feel and relate today. Succoris clinicians may use psychodynamic therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), or a blend.
Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious patterns and their impact on mood, relationships, and behaviour. Greater insight can open space for lasting change.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is more structured and time-limited. It targets relationship and communication patterns linked to your mood, such as role transitions, grief, or ongoing interpersonal stress.
These approaches are commonly used for depression, relationship difficulties, and self-understanding. Your psychologist will tailor the work to your goals.
Commonly helps with
Depression
Therapy for depression, low mood, and related experiences — working to rebuild motivation, meaning, and connection.
Relationship Issues
Individual and couple therapy to navigate relationship difficulties — communication, connection, conflict, and separation.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Therapy to rebuild self-esteem, address self-critical thinking, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Life Transitions
Therapy through life's big changes — career, relationships, identity, parenthood, retirement, and the unexpected.
Common questions about Psychodynamic
What is psychodynamic and interpersonal therapy?
Psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies focus on how earlier experiences, recurring patterns, and relationships influence how you feel and relate today. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious patterns and their impact on mood and behaviour. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is more structured and time-limited, targeting relationship and communication patterns linked to your mood. Succoris clinicians may use either or a blend.
How do I know if psychodynamic therapy is right for me?
Psychodynamic or interpersonal therapy may suit you if you want to understand why certain patterns keep repeating, or if your mood is closely tied to relationship difficulties, role changes, or grief. IPT is often used for depression linked to interpersonal stress. Psychodynamic work tends to be longer-term and insight-focused. Your psychologist can discuss which approach, or combination, fits your goals and timeframe.
What happens in a psychodynamic or IPT session?
Sessions are conversational and exploratory. In psychodynamic work, you might notice patterns as they show up in the therapeutic relationship, or explore how past experiences shape current reactions. IPT is more structured, focusing on one or two interpersonal problem areas such as role transitions, grief, or ongoing conflict. Both approaches prioritise the therapeutic relationship as a place for understanding and change.
Can I access psychodynamic therapy through Medicare at Succoris?
Yes. You can book directly without a referral. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual psychology sessions. Psychologists experienced in psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches are available across Succoris clinics and via telehealth. Because psychodynamic work is often longer-term, your psychologist will discuss a realistic plan with you in early sessions.
How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT?
CBT is typically shorter, structured, and focused on current thoughts and behaviours with practical exercises between sessions. Psychodynamic therapy explores deeper patterns, often linked to earlier experiences, and uses the therapeutic relationship as a key source of insight. CBT aims to build skills for managing symptoms; psychodynamic work aims to understand underlying patterns. Many people benefit from one or the other, and some psychologists integrate both.
Unsure which approach is right for you?
Our team will help you find a psychologist and approach that fits your situation. You can browse clinicians who use Psychodynamic, book online, or contact us for a confidential discussion.