Psychodynamic Therapy Vancouver & Online
Learn about psychodynamic therapy and book a consultation to discuss your options.
Dr. Bradley Murray, Vancouver Psychoanalyst, RCC, FIPA
I am a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in the North Shore. I see individuals in online therapy in greater Vancouver and throughout BC and Ontario. In my practice, I commonly work with young adults, middle-aged adults, university and college students, organizational leaders and executives, and health care professionals. I look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in starting therapy or psychoanalysis.
I created this website to help clients learn about the psychodynamic approach and start therapy, and to help students and professionals enhance their professional education.
Common Goals and Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy and Counselling
Work to understand and address psychological symptoms
Unaddressed depression, anxiety, stress, and other types of emotional distress can reduce life and satisfaction. These have also been found to be correlated with physical health problems.
Increasing self-knowledge
Getting to know ourselves better includes reflecting on how our past influences our present lives, getting to know longstanding personality traits, becoming familiar with fears that have been holding back progress, and figuring out what we most want in our lives.
Reflecting on relationships
Many people benefit from taking some time to think about their relationships, exploring themes such as closeness, distance, trust, and communication.
Self-expression
People often find that developing the capacity to talk freely and openly over the course of a therapy process can help them gain comfort exercising creativity and self-expression in various other areas of their lives.
Client Experiences of Psychodynamic Therapy
Everyone is different, and some people will find themselves especially drawn to psychodynamic therapy. A study in the journal Psychotherapy Research found that clients who most appreciate psychodynamic therapy are drawn to several features of this approach.
Psychodynamic therapy aims to help people gain insight through exploration, so they can understand themselves better than before
It seeks to help individuals develop a more coherent life story
It aims to help people foster self-acceptance through understanding
Online and Telephone Psychodynamic Therapy and Psychoanalysis in Vancouver and BC
People with busy schedules who find it difficult to attend regular weekly in-person appointments and those who do not live near a psychodynamic therapist often appreciate the flexibility of online therapy.
Discuss Your Options
A 10-minute consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and ways therapy may help.
Learn About Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychodynamic Therapy
Answers to help you get started.
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of depth psychology that focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person's present behavior. It helps individuals understand the influence of the past on their current emotions and relationships.
The therapy works by exploring feelings, thoughts, and past experiences in a safe, supportive environment. This helps individuals gain insight into their emotional difficulties, leading to personal growth and healing.
Psychodynamic therapy can be beneficial for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, and personality-level concerns.
The duration can vary widely, but therapy is often more long-term than some other forms of therapy, depending on the individual’s needs and concerns.
Sessions are structured in ways that are likely to meet an individual's needs. As the process develops and deepens, sessions typically foster your ability to discuss your thoughts and feelings freely. It is common to explore your childhood experiences and significant life events that may be affecting your current mindset.
Yes, there is a substantial body of research indicating that psychodynamic therapy can be effective for various concerns, often showing lasting benefits after treatment ends.
While CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy seeks to uncover underlying emotional issues and unconscious motivations, aiming to address root causes.
