gaining insight
psychodynamic therapy at mindfulness for life
therapy for going to deep places
We live with ourselves every day and yet often remain strangers to our inner world. Without fully understanding why, we find ourselves repeating painful relationship patterns, choosing work that does not fulfill us, or searching for peace in places that cannot provide it.
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that meaningful change comes through understanding the root causes of these patterns. Many of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are shaped by unconscious experiences, particularly early relationships, that continue to influence us long after we are aware of them.
how does psychodynamic therapy work?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy creates a space to explore deep inner processes with curiosity and compassion. Through dialogue, reflection, and the therapeutic relationship itself, therapy gently brings unconscious patterns into awareness, so you can begin to know yourself on a deeper level.
You may start to understand why certain situations feel overwhelming, why familiar relationship dynamics repeat, and why some emotions are difficult to tolerate or express. This process helps people develop greater emotional insight, self-understanding, and freedom of choice.
Issues psychodynamic therapy can help you understand
- depression
- anxiety
- difficult emotions
- feelings of emptiness
- feeling stuck
- feeling like too much, or not enough
- relationship patterns
- parenting challenges
- loneliness / alienation
- self esteem
- shame and guilt
- self-criticism
- people-pleasing
- fear of making decisions
- procrastination
- codependence
- difficult family relationships
- difficult childhoods
how psychodynamic therapy helps
There is evidence that psychodynamic therapy creates lasting change. By supporting self-understanding, the positive effects of psychodynamic therapy continue to increase even after therapy ends.
This approach to therapy is about deepening your relationship with yourself. When we have insight about ourselves – and the deep needs that drive us – we develop our authenticity, increase compassion for ourselves and others, experience agency and choice in our behaviours, and enjoy stronger connections with others.
the aims of psychodynamic insight
have more compassion for yourself and others
experience more agency and choice in your behaviours
develop deeper and more stable relationships
connect with meaning, purpose and authenticity
psychodynamic therapy approaches
attachment-based therapy
Attachment theory is the study of how our earliest relationships affect us: how we understand and regulate our emotions, how we see others and what we expect from them, how much space we need in relationships, how safe we feel trusting others to be there for us. You will be supported to recognize insecure or avoidant attachment behaviour in relationships, and to develop more secure bonds.
psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is an insight-oriented talk therapy that draws on the depth of the psychoanalytic tradition – including thinkers like Freud, Melanie Klein, and Jacques Lacan. It aims to increase self-understanding, and awareness of the unconscious patterns and inner conflicts that affect us in the present.
relational psychotherapy
Relational psychotherapy is a psychodynamic approach with a focus on interpersonal relationships – understanding that relationships are at the core of who were are. Both psychological injury and healing occur in the context of our relationships with others. The therapy relationship is a unique, non-judgmental relationship where it is safe to explore, take risks, grow and change with the help of a supportive other.
existential psychotherapy
Existential psychotherapy is a depth-oriented approach that grew out of the psychodynamic tradition, integrating existential philosophical ideas. It investigates and supports how we respond to the big limit situations in life – facing mortality, the need for meaning, facing our freedom and responsibility, isolation and the need for connection. Existential therapy supports authenticity, the willingness to look at things clearly and discover who we are in the face of the biggest challenges.
questions to develop insight :
- how were emotions dealt with in my family?
- what did closeness feel like when I was young?
- what did I need to do as a child to feel loved or safe?
- what was my role in my family?
- who did I go to for help?
therapists specializing in psycho-dynamic therapy at mindfulness for life
Leonora: “I am particularly passionate about working with relational traumas, the challenges of parenting and family relationships, with young adults and people looking to make sense of their difficult childhoods.”
Benjamin: “Out: treating attachment styles like zodiac signs or diagnoses.
In: understanding our attachment systems as dynamic, changing strategies and preoccupations for being and staying in connection. “
Bronwen:”One of the most powerful parts of therapy is discovering how much of our world is shaped unconsciously. Having the therapeutic space to explore our patterns can be the beginning of a life that feels more chosen than inherited.”
Oona: “We often don’t fully realize what we are feeling and needing until we hear ourselves say it out loud. Even when it seems obvious – therapy is a space where we surprise ourselves”
psychodynamic therapy F.A.Q.
What does psychodynamic therapy cost? Is is covered by insurance?
Our therapists charge between $165-$200 for a 50-minute appointment. We also have an affordable therapy program, offering a reduced fee of $60 to those who would not be able to access therapy without this support.
Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP, but is covered by most private insurance plans. You must check with your individual provider to find out the details of your coverage.
Where are you located? Do I have to come in person?
We have offices for in-person therapy appointments located in Downtown Kitchener, and Toronto in the Dundas West and Roncesvalles neighbourhood.
We can offer online therapy appointments to people anywhere in Ontario.
Many people find that meeting with their therapist in person allows them to experience greater focus and depth, but this is not true for everybody. Online therapy appointments can help you make time for yourself in ways you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
How long does psychodynamic-based therapy take?
While traditional psychoanalysis is a long term project, contemporary psychodynamic approaches are flexible. The length of time you spend in therapy will be a collaborative decision with your therapist, and varies person to person. Let your therapist know what’s important to you about how long and how frequently you want to work together.
According to psychotherapy research, many people will find new perspectives and skills in the first 6-12 meetings that make a significant difference in their lives. When people are able to do long term therapy work over the course of a year or more, they can find they are able to experience a deeper and sustained process of transformation and personal growth.
Do I have to lie down on a couch?
No, cliches like lying down on a couch or talking on an on without the therapist saying anything are not what you’ll find in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy.
You and your therapist will be equal partners in investigating and contemplating your experiences, history, relationships and the meaning found in them.
Will therapy focus on the past or help me with here and now problems?
It is not the case that psychodyamic therapy only focuses on the past, or on childhood – it will support you with your here and now feelings, values, decisions and relationships.
A psychodynamic therapist understands the past and present to be interacting – when we reflect on the past it helps understand the present, and when we reflect on the present it helps understand the past. You and your therapist will decide together where to put your attention.