Psychoanalysis in Vienna
Psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy - understanding what works inside
Psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy is one of the depth psychology methods. It is based on the assumption that many psychological complaints do not arise by chance, but are an expression of inner, often unconscious processes. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders... To the technical article →
Find suitable experts in the field of Psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy in Vienna
- Last update: August 22, 2026
Languages
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is one of the psychodynamic approaches. It assumes that many psychological symptoms do not arise by chance, but are the expression of inner, often unconscious processes. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, compulsions, psychosomatic complaints, or recurring relational conflicts are not understood as errors, but as meaningful solutions of the mental system for inner distress. In contrast to the classical psychoanalysis psychodynamic therapy is usually more focused on current conflicts and concrete life situations and is more clearly structured in terms of time. The inner dynamics are at the center, but with a clear focus on the here and now.
Basic assumption of psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy
Psychodynamic therapy assumes that our experiences, thoughts and actions are essentially shaped by unconscious inner conflicts, relationship experiences and early attachment patterns. Many of these inner dynamics arise early in life and are unconsciously repeated later, in relationships, at work, in our dealings with ourselves or in our bodies.
A central concern of psychodynamic therapy is to make these inner connections visible, understandable and ultimately changeable. The focus is less on comprehensively working through the entire life story and more on understanding current conflicts and their inner roots.
How psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy works
The focus of the therapeutic work is joint reflection on inner processes. Thoughts, feelings, memories, fantasies, bodily sensations and the experience of therapeutic contact are taken seriously and reflected upon together.
The following applies:
Not only what is told is important, but also how, when, with what feelings and with what inner expectations. Therapy works with what is currently causing distress and at the same time explores the inner meanings behind it.
Understanding the unconscious
Many inner conflicts are not directly accessible to conscious experience. Psychodynamic therapy therefore asks:
- Why do certain relationship patterns repeat themselves
- Why does fear appear for seemingly no reason
- Why does strong self-criticism arise
- Why does the body react with symptoms
Symptoms are understood as an expression of inner tensions. They are not a sign of weakness, but an indication of unresolved conflicts or structural overload.
How does psychodynamic therapy work?
1. initial phase - understanding and classification
The first step is to understand the current life situation and complaints together. Which issues keep coming back? Which feelings are particularly stressful. Which conflicts characterize everyday life.
Even at this stage it becomes clear that symptoms can have an inner meaning, for example as protection, as regulation or as a compromise between contradictory needs.
2nd work phase - Relationship as a mirror
A central effective factor is the therapeutic relationship. In psychodynamic therapy, too, old relationship patterns often emerge in contact with the therapist. Feelings such as dependency, fear of rejection, excessive adaptation or withdrawal are not evaluated, but reflected on together.
The therapeutic relationship offers the opportunity to make new experiences and correct old inner expectations.
3. integration and change
With increasing understanding of inner connections, the experience changes. Feelings are perceived in a more differentiated way, tensions are better regulated and automatic patterns lose their power.
The aim is not perfection, but more inner stability, self-regulation and freedom of choice in thinking, feeling and acting.
Why does psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy work?
Therapy is not primarily effective through advice, but through understanding and emotional experience. What is understood no longer needs to be repeated compulsively. What can be named needs fewer symptoms.
Central impact factors are:
- Understanding instead of fighting symptoms
- Emotional experience in a sustainable therapeutic relationship
- Integration of split-off or avoided feelings
- Development of structural skills such as self-regulation and affect tolerance
Practical cases from psychodynamic work
Case 1: Recurring conflicts at work
A woman in her mid-thirties repeatedly experiences situations in her professional environment in which she feels ignored. She is excessively affected by criticism. She withdraws or reacts inwardly with great offense.
Therapy reveals an unconscious conflict between the desire for recognition and a deeply rooted expectation of not being seen. Past experiences of emotional rejection shape her self-image. By understanding this inner dynamic, she can classify current situations in a more differentiated way and take them less personally.
Case 2: Chronic fatigue without a clear cause
A man in his early forties feels permanently exhausted, although no medical cause is found. He describes himself as very conscientious and performance-oriented.
During therapy, it becomes clear that his own needs are barely recognized. An inner conflict between autonomy and loyalty leads him to constantly go beyond his limits. The exhaustion becomes understandable as an expression of inner overload. His condition improves as his ability to perceive himself and set boundaries increases.
Case 3: Eating disorder as tension regulation
A young woman with bulimia reports intense feelings of shame and inner emptiness. Eating and vomiting serve to regulate tension in the short term.
Psychodynamic work reveals a conflict between a strong need for closeness and a fear of being taken over. The eating disorder fulfills the function of controlling unbearable feelings. With increasing understanding of these inner tensions, the symptom gradually loses its central significance.
What happens internally in psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy means getting to know one's own inner experience in a more differentiated way, including contradictory or previously avoided parts.
Patients often report:
„I understand myself better“„I recognize my patterns earlier“„I can cope with feelings better“„I'm less strict with myself“
Change does not come about through pressure, but through insight, relationship and emotional experience.
Who is psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy suitable for?
It is particularly suitable for people who
- want to understand recurring patterns
- suffer from persistent or complex complaints
- Want to work on relationship problems
- want to get to know themselves better
- not just alleviating symptoms, but understanding the causes
Dr. Katrin Wippersberg is a multi-skilled psychoanalyst and psychotherapist who works with great empathy and extensive experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety disorders and depression, as well as being a profound couples therapist.
Questions? We are happy to help
Rapid feedback and personal support
Empathetic listening & solution-oriented help
Practice in 1010 Vienna - individual support from specialists