Psychodynamic therapy can be thought of as a depth therapy in that it seeks to understand not only what is happening now but how it is being driven by beliefs formed earlier in life—beliefs that we are often unaware of. The better we understand ourselves, the more choice we will have in our responses. If we can improve our responses, we can improve our quality of life and live more aligned with our personal values.

There are several common misconceptions of psychodynamic therapy, even within the behavioral health profession itself. Those who lack formal training it may mistakenly believe that it’s only interested in the past at the expense of the present; that it doesn’t address symptoms, or it’s an aimless process.

Navigating family tension can be challenging for all parties involved. People tend to personalize others’ behaviors and become defensive. There are ways to better understand communication breakdowns, prevent further escalation, and repair the relationship.

Flashbacks come on suddenly, hijacking the brain and distorting your sense of the present moment. It seems as if a traumatic event is happening as your current psychological, somatic, and emotional states mirror that of a past traumatic event. But it’s not happening. Flashbacks can be particularly disorienting, demoralizing, and even scary. At the beginning of your recovery, experiencing flashbacks can feel deeply overwhelming and you may be exhausted by the frequency in which they occur. There are ways to better manage flashbacks and reduce their impact on you.

Life after experiencing religious trauma can feel isolating, confusing, and depressing. You might have lost trust in others and struggle to trust yourself. You might be bogged down by a pervasive sense of grief. Family relationships may be non-existent or complicated. Your sense of identify may be fragmented, like puzzle pieces that you don’t know how to put together. There are ways to heal from religious trauma, and start building a life that reflects your personal values and dreams.

Watching someone you love struggle with PTSD symptoms can cause feelings of helplessness, confusion, and anxiety. It’s hard to know what to say or what to do. Some of your responses may not feel supportive to your loved one or even heighten their current symptoms.