Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Associations in this Section take an interdisciplinary approach to psychotherapy and value working with the whole person: feelings, body, mind, and spirit.

The psychotherapeutic relationship is considered central to the therapy process, creating an opportunity for exploring both conscious and unconscious behaviours, emotional experience, beliefs and attitudes. Practitioners seek to provide an atmosphere in the therapy which is empathic and open and in which each client is able to feel that their subjective experience is understood and valued.

This type of therapy enables a client to deeply explore the repetitive painful interactions and experiences that may, for example, underlie anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, addictions, and the complex effects of trauma. This therapeutic process supports the growth of new ways of engaging in relationship with oneself and others and living creatively in the world.

Psychotherapists in this section draw on a range of theory to understand how to facilitate processes of change and growth. This includes theory that addresses personality and character, patterns of attachment, emotion, human development, embodiment, neurobiology, trauma theory and contemporary psychodynamic and analytic theory and practice.

There is an emphasis on understanding the social and cultural context in which each client lives, taking into account gender, class, sexuality and ethnicity.

Associations belonging to this section require their clinical members to have undertaken a post-graduate level training in psychotherapy of at least 500 hours over a 3-4 year period and supervised practice over at least 2 years. They are also expected to have undertaken their own long -term psychotherapy. All members have undergone a formal assessment procedure.

Member Associations within this Section:
Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (NSW Branch)
Australian Somatic Psychotherapy Association
Melbourne College of Contemporary Psychotherapy