Here at Lakeview Center, we use psychodynamic principles to uncover underlying emotional conflicts, fears, and anxieties that children may have trouble expressing with words. In addition to addressing symptoms or behaviors, psychodynamic therapy explores the deeper psychological roots of emotional struggles.
How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work with Children?
Children often lack the verbal skills or emotional intuition to articulate their emotional states or struggles. Instead, they communicate through their behavior, play, and art. Lakeview therapists are trained to interpret these behaviors as meaningful expressions of inner emotional life. By engaging children in nonverbal forms of expression—such as play therapy, drawing, or storytelling—the therapist can understand the child’s unconscious emotional conflicts and unmet needs.
For example, a child who is struggling with anxiety or sadness may not be able to articulate the source of their emotions. However, through play, they may reenact scenarios that reflect unresolved family conflicts, fears of abandonment, or feelings of helplessness. Our therapists can then work with the child to help them make sense of these feelings, as well as offer tools for emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Psychodynamic Therapy for Families
Psychodynamic therapy can also be effective when applied to families. Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping a child’s emotional and behavioral development, and patterns of interaction in the family system can either support or obstruct a child’s emotional needs. In a psychodynamic family therapy setting, the therapist looks at how unconscious or unspoken emotional patterns—such as conflict within the family, or intergenerational trauma—are influencing the family’s interactions with one another and the outside world.
For example, a child who is acting out in school may be doing so as a way of expressing feelings that are difficult for the family to openly discuss. The child’s behavior might be a reaction to tension between parents or a fear of not being loved or accepted. By bringing these unconscious emotions to light and exploring them within the context of the family unit, psychodynamic family therapy helps families better understand the emotional needs of each member and improve communication and support.
Benefits of Psychodynamic Child and Family Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy offers unique benefits for children and families who are struggling with emotional difficulties. Some of the key advantages include:
- A Deeper Understanding of Emotional Issues. Rather than just focusing on behavior change, psychodynamic therapy helps uncover the underlying emotional struggles that contribute to a child’s challenges, providing a more comprehensive approach to treatment.
- Long-Lasting Change. Because psychodynamic therapy works to address the root causes of emotional and relational issues, research demonstrates it can lead to more sustainable and lasting change compared to approaches that only address symptoms (Shedler, 2010).
- Improved Family Functioning. By addressing family dynamics and improving communication, psychodynamic therapy can help create healthier, more supportive environments for children and families, helping all members feel secure.
- Personal Growth and Healing. For both children and parents, psychodynamic therapy fosters personal insight, emotional growth, and healing from past trauma or unresolved conflicts, laying the foundation for healthier relationships and improved self-esteem.
When to Seek Psychodynamic Child or Family Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is beneficial for a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
- Behavioral problems (e.g., aggression, oppositional behavior)
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Family conflicts and communication issues
- Grief and loss
- Attachment and relationship difficulties
If you notice that your child or family is struggling with emotional challenges that may stem from unexpressed conflicts or issues, psychodynamic therapy is an ideal approach. At Lakeview Center, you’ll have access to an interdisciplinary group of skilled professionals who can work collaboratively to support your family’s emotional health.