Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior.   Psychodynamic therapy aims to help clients become aware of and experience their vulnerable feelings which have been pushed out of conscious awareness. The psychodynamic approach states that everyone has an unconscious which holds and harbors painful and vulnerable feelings which are too difficult for the person to be consciously aware of. In order to keep painful feelings, memories, and experiences in the unconscious, people tend to develop defense mechanisms, such as denial, repression, rationalization, and others. According to psychodynamic theory, these defenses cause more harm than good; once the vulnerable or painful feelings are processed the defense mechanisms reduce or resolve themselves. http://psychcentral.com/lib/psychodynamic-therapy/000119

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, panic and stress-related physical ailments. Also, benefits of the therapy grow after treatment has ended, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.  Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Its hallmarks are self-reflection and self-examination and by the use of the relationship between therapist and patient as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the patient’s life. Its goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but also to help people lead healthier lives. http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy.aspx