The terms psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy are often used interchangeably — sometimes accurately, sometimes not. If you’re trying to choose a therapist or understand what you’re signing up for, the distinctions matter.
Shared foundations
Both psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy draw on the same core ideas: that unconscious processes shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour; that early relationships leave lasting patterns; and that understanding these patterns can bring meaningful change.
Both tend to be longer-term and exploratory rather than manualised or symptom-focused.
Where they differ
Psychoanalysis is the most intensive form. Traditionally it involves multiple sessions per week — often three to five — and the client may use a couch rather than facing the therapist directly. The aim is deep, open-ended exploration of the psyche. It’s a significant commitment in time and cost.
Psychodynamic therapy is a broader umbrella term. It usually means weekly sessions, face-to-face (or online), with a focus on unconscious patterns and the therapeutic relationship — but in a more contained format than classical analysis.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy — what I offer — sits between the two in practice: weekly sessions, depth-oriented work, informed by psychoanalytic and Jungian thinking, but without the intensity of full analysis.
Does the label on the tin matter?
Less than the actual work. Two therapists with the same qualification may work quite differently. What matters is whether the approach suits your needs: are you looking for depth work or symptom management? Weekly sessions or more? Open-ended exploration or a defined focus?
A first conversation — or first session — is the best way to get a sense of how a particular therapist actually works, regardless of what they call it.