This OLDER Model of Therapy Continues to Free Clients of Depression

Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as a persistent feeling of sadness or lack of interest in life that affects daily activities. Depression also causes physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. While there are several therapies available to treat depression, one lesser-known but highly effective approach is psychodynamic therapy. In this blog post, we’ll explore what psychodynamic therapy is, how it works, and how it can help clients with depression.

LMFTs like Patrick M. DeCarlo provide interpersonal psychodynamic therapy to treat clients with depression.

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is a type of talk therapy that is based on the theories developed by Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalytic theorists. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help the client understand and explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to identify deep-seated patterns that may be contributing to their depression. Psychodynamic therapy aims to bring about lasting change by helping clients gain insight into their unconscious motivations and desires.

How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work?

Psychodynamic therapy typically involves regular meetings between the therapist and client. In therapy sessions, clients are encouraged to talk about their feelings and emotions, as well as their past experiences. The therapist listens attentively and offers guidance and insight as the client explores their emotions and gains insight into their behavior. Over time, clients may begin to identify patterns in their behavior, such as self-sabotaging habits or negative thought patterns, that contribute to their depression.

Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression

One of the key benefits of psychodynamic therapy for depression is that it can help clients gain insight into their emotional struggles and develop coping strategies that are tailored to their individual needs. In addition, many clients find that psychodynamic therapy helps them identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to their depression, such as unresolved trauma or past experiences. Through the process of exploring and understanding their emotions, clients are able to develop emotional resilience and the ability to cope with life’s challenges.

Another major benefit of psychodynamic therapy for depression is that it is typically a long-term therapy approach, which means that clients have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with their therapist over time. This close therapeutic relationship can provide clients with a sense of safety and security, which is especially important for those who struggle with depression.


Overall, psychodynamic therapy is an effective therapy approach for treating depression. By helping clients gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy can help them develop the tools they need to overcome depression and lead a fulfilling life. If you are struggling with depression and have not found relief from other therapies, it may be worth considering psychodynamic therapy as a treatment option. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, you may be able to find new ways of understanding yourself and your emotions, and develop a greater sense of resilience and hope for the future.

Patrick DeCarlo