Some people notice they keep ending up in the same dynamic, again and again: relationships that stall in the same way, an inner voice that always says the same critical thing, or a sense of unease that does not quite match the current situation. Psychodynamic therapy starts from the idea that such recurring patterns often have roots in earlier experiences and relationships, and that gaining insight into them can make it possible to respond differently.
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy based on the idea that part of our inner life, our feelings, assumptions, and habitual ways of reacting, operates outside conscious awareness. Early relationships, for example with parents or other significant figures from childhood, help shape how we later view ourselves and others. These patterns often continue to influence the present, even long after the original situation has passed.
In therapy, the focus is on exploring how these patterns developed and how they still show up today, for instance in how someone handles conflict, approaches closeness, or talks to themselves internally. A distinctive feature of this approach is that the relationship between client and therapist itself is used as a source of information: how someone relates to the therapist in the room can reveal something about broader patterns in that person’s life.
What can it help with?
Psychodynamic therapy can be supportive for a range of concerns and difficulties, including:
- Depressive symptoms connected to underlying patterns in self-image or relationships
- Recurring relationship difficulties, such as conflict, dependency, or trouble allowing closeness
- Questions around identity: who am I, what do I want, why do I react the way I do
- Feelings of emptiness, restlessness, or dissatisfaction that are not easily explained by the current situation
For more serious or complex concerns, a preliminary DSM-5 classification may be made as part of the diagnostic process, so that treatment can be tailored accordingly. This is always done carefully and in consultation with the client, never presented as a definitive final judgment.
In an acute crisis, or if there is danger to yourself or others, psychodynamic therapy, like other forms of outpatient mental healthcare, is not the appropriate form of help. In that case, call 112 (in the Netherlands) or go to A&E.
How it differs from cognitive behavioral therapy
A common question is how psychodynamic therapy compares to cognitive behavioral therapy (CGT). Both can be effective, but the approach differs in clear ways.
CGT tends to be structured and goal-oriented: it looks at specific thoughts and behaviors that maintain symptoms, and applies targeted techniques and exercises, often supported by exercises between sessions.
Psychodynamic therapy is more exploratory in nature. Rather than following a fixed protocol, it creates space to discover what arises in the moment, which feelings, memories, or associations come up, and what that reveals about underlying patterns. The goal is less about quickly removing a specific symptom and more about building lasting insight, so that someone can approach situations differently over the longer term.
Neither approach is inherently better than the other. Which one fits best depends on the person, the difficulties involved, and what someone is looking for in treatment.
What does a course of treatment look like?
A psychodynamic course of treatment usually consists of regular sessions, often weekly, without necessarily following a fixed agenda each time. Instead, the focus is on what is present in that moment, which feelings, thoughts, or situations come up, and how these relate to known patterns from the past. The therapist listens actively and helps draw connections, without offering ready-made answers.
At Mavera GGZ, progress is evaluated at least once every three months, so it stays clear whether the treatment still matches the person’s needs and whether any adjustments are needed.
Psychodynamic therapy at Mavera GGZ
At Mavera GGZ in Rotterdam, we offer psychodynamic therapy as one of several evidence-informed treatment approaches, alongside CGT, EMDR, ACT, schema therapy, couples and family therapy, group therapy, online therapy, and pharmacotherapy. Together with you, we discuss which approach fits best, based on your symptoms, history, and preferences.
Our team consists of BIG-registered therapists and a psychiatrist, and we offer care in Dutch, Turkish, English, Ukrainian, Polish, Uyghur, and Arabic. A referral from your GP is required for specialist mental healthcare. We hold a contract with health insurers DSW and RMA/RMO, and a payment agreement with Zilveren Kruis and VGZ. Keep in mind the mandatory deductible for 2026, which is €385. The average waiting time for an intake is around 6 weeks, and treatment typically starts within roughly 3 months.
Do you have questions, or would you like to know whether psychodynamic therapy could be a good fit for you? Feel free to reach out by phone at 010-254 38 96 or by email at info@maveraggz.nl. We are happy to think along with you.
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