What Does It Mean to Be a Depth-Oriented Therapist?An Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy
If you’ve spent any time on my social media or website, you may have noticed that I describe myself as a Relational & Depth-Oriented Therapist. Naturally, this raises questions. What does that actually mean? And how does it show up in the therapy room?
If you’re someone who enjoys understanding the why behind things—your emotions, your relationships, your patterns—this approach may resonate with you.
The Short Version
Depth-oriented therapy explores the emotional roots of present-day struggles
It emphasizes self-awareness, insight, and relational patterns
The therapeutic relationship itself is a meaningful part of the work
It’s especially supportive for reflective, curious, and emotionally attuned individuals
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is an in-depth form of talk therapy grounded in the tradition of psychoanalytic thought, while being more flexible, collaborative, and relational in nature. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, this approach helps clients develop a deeper awareness of their emotional world by working to uncover feelings, beliefs, and internal conflicts.
Over time, clients begin to notice things about themselves they may not have seen before:
recurring emotional reactions
familiar relationship dynamics
long-held ways of coping that once served a purpose but now feel limiting
The goal is not to analyze for analysis’ sake, but to understand how past experiences continue to shape present-day choices, relationships, and self-concept.
Unlike traditional psychoanalysis, where the therapist is positioned as an authoritative expert, psychodynamic therapy is collaborative. I see myself as a guide. Someone walking alongside you, helping make meaning of your experiences in a way that feels attuned, educational, respectful, and relationally.
Who Is It For?
Because of its open-ended and exploratory nature, psychodynamic therapy often resonates with clients who are articulate, reflective, and curious about their inner world. Many people drawn to this work enjoy thinking deeply, asking meaningful questions, and understanding the “why” behind their emotions, relationships, and life experiences.
They may identify as sensitive, emotionally intuitive, or simply someone who values insight and self-awareness. For these individuals, therapy sessions become not just a place for symptom relief but a space for deeper understanding and growth.
People seek depth-oriented therapy for many reasons, including:
Repeating patterns in relationships
Emotional experiences that feel confusing or overwhelming
A sense of being “stuck” despite insight or past therapy
A desire for deeper self-understanding, not just coping tools
Families and couples may also use psychodynamic principles to explore unresolved dynamics, unspoken tensions, and long-standing emotional roles that impact connection.
This approach can be helpful for individuals navigating:
Anxiety and depression
Attachment-related challenges
Trauma and prolonged grief
Chronic illness or somatic symptoms
How Does Depth-Oriented Therapy Work?
At its core, psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding feelings that are complex, contradictory, or difficult to hold. Together, we work to recognize, name, and explore emotions that may have been pushed aside over time in order to survive, belong, or stay safe.
Rather than focusing primarily on changing thoughts or behaviors (as in more structured, skills-based approaches), depth-oriented therapy asks a different question: What is this experience trying to tell us?
We look at how your lived experiences (especially early relationships) continue to influence how you relate to yourself and others today.
Some of the focus areas we explore include:
Patterns and themes
Many of us develop familiar ways of responding to stress, conflict, or closeness without realizing it. By bringing these patterns into awareness, new choices become possible.
Emotional insight
Understanding your emotional responses helps you move from self-criticism or confusion toward compassion and clarity. Insight creates space for meaningful change.
Relationships
Because our earliest experiences happen in relationships, healing often does too. The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a place to notice relational dynamics as they emerge, offering opportunities for growth, repair, and deeper connection.
The Goal?
The ultimate aim of psychodynamic therapy is self-understanding. Not as an intellectual exercise, but as a pathway to relief, authenticity, and more fulfilling relationships. As insight deepens, many clients find they relate to themselves with greater kindness and engage with others more openly and intentionally.
Depth-oriented therapy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating lasting change by understanding yourself at the roots.
If you’re drawn to therapy that values curiosity, nuance, and emotional depth, this approach may be a meaningful fit.
With Care,
Ronelle
Jackson Therapy & Consulting | Omaha, NE
Ready to take the next step toward greater emotional balance and meaningful growth? At Jackson Therapy & Consulting, we specialize in personalized individual therapy, intensive therapeutic support, family intensives, and professional consultation designed to help you navigate trauma, relational challenges, life transitions, and more with evidence-based strategies and compassionate care.
Discover how our approach can support your healing journey. Explore our services or book a free consultation today to begin moving from stuck to empowered.
References
American Psychological Association. (2010, January). Psychodynamic therapy. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy
GoodTherapy. (n.d.). Depth therapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/depth-therapy
Opland, C., & Torrico, T. (2024). Psychodynamic therapy. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK606117/
Psychology.org. (n.d.). What is psychodynamic therapy? https://www.psychology.org/resources/what-is-psychodynamic-therapy/
River Trading, N. (n.d.). Psychodynamic therapy: Understanding depth-oriented treatment approaches. https://nilerivertrading.com/psychodynamic-therapy-understanding-depth-oriented-treatment-approaches/
