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Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy | Brisbane Northside | Psychologist

Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy 

What is Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

Relational Psychodynamic psychotherapy (RPP) is an integrative therapy that brings together a range of theories and practices including attachment theory and research, and psychoanalytic ideas. RPP recognises that by our human nature, we are a social species that relies upon attachment and relationships for survival.  It centres around the idea that we develop, thrive, struggle, and know ourselves primarily in the context of being in relation with others. The way that we learn to relate to ourselves, the world, and others is shaped by an accumulation of the ongoing experiences we have with others, particularly throughout childhood. The sum of these experiences results in fairly stable patterns of relating to ourselves and others that then follow us throughout life. Sometimes, we aren't fully aware of what our patterns are, why we do the things we do, why we feel the way we feel in certain circumstances, or why it sometimes feels hard to change when we find ourselves "stuck" or on "repeat". RPP seeks to understand these experiences and the origins of our difficulties with the view that insight into these experiences can open up the opportunity for us to try different new ways of being resulting in more satisfying relationships and ways of living. 

 

RPP recognises that each person brings into relationships their own unique ways of relating, motivations, expectations of others, and wishes around what they want in that relationship. RPP often explores what patterns and wishes a client frequently brings to relationships that might impact on their experiences in life and subsequent wellbeing. For example, an individual might frequently forgo their needs in a relationship or find it difficult to receive support from others, ending in feelings of burn out and depression. RPP looks at how these kinds of tendencies developed throughout life and how they are currently visible in their relationships. This includes looking at the relationship that person has with themselves and what comes up in the relationship with the therapist. 

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The Purpose of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

RPP is used for the treatment of a number of mental health difficulties and for individuals wishing to gain a better understanding of themselves for personal growth. It is frequently used for the treatment of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, and for individuals who have lost a sense of meaning in life. The purpose of psychodynamic psychotherapy is best described by Stephen Tublin (2018) as helping individuals to develop:

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  1. Increased capacity to experience and manage multiple affective states and

    to enjoy the full range of emotion

  2. Increased access to multiple aspects of the self without shame

  3. Ability to comfort and soothe oneself and to be self-reflective

  4. Ability to accept responsibility

  5. Ability to tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty

  6. Ability to be more truthful with oneself

  7. Ability to think more creatively and openly about one’s past rather than

    to continue to repeat it

  8. Relief from internal constraints and rigidities that have become problematic

  9. A more imaginative and creative mind

  10. Increased capacity to love and to work; self-efficacy

  11. To engage in more meaningful and redemptive relationships

  12. Hope

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(direct quote from Stephen Tublin, 2018)

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