Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for Me? by Martha Li, RP (Qual).

It’s more than just talking about problems.

When people ask what I do and I say, “I’m a psychodynamic psychotherapist,” I often see a curious look followed by something like, “Oh, so people just talk to you about their problems?”

Well… yes—and also, not really.

What I offer goes deeper than surface-level conversation. Think of me more like a compassionate detective of the inner world—someone who gently helps you uncover hidden emotions, unresolved conflicts, and the unconscious patterns that quietly shape your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships.

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in the understanding that our early experiences, especially those from childhood, don’t just stay in the past. They echo throughout our lives in subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—ways. Whether it’s the way we love, the things that trigger us, or the habits we can’t seem to shake, our history is often woven into the present without us even realizing it.

So, is it just talking about your problems? Not exactly.

Yes, we might talk about your day. You might vent, explore frustrations, or sit with a tangled emotion you can’t quite name. But the real heart of the work is deeper: it’s about exploring the why beneath the surface.

Why do you always put others’ needs ahead of your own?

Why does that one comment still sting years later?

Why do you find yourself in the same kind of relationship, over and over again?

Together, we begin to gently peel back the layers. With curiosity and care, we untangle the threads that have held certain patterns in place. And in that process, clarity begins to emerge. The kind of clarity that can lead to meaningful, lasting change—not just in how you cope, but in how you live, love, and relate to yourself.

Of course, while the work can be deep and at times emotional, it’s not all heavy. There’s space for laughter, lightness, and those surprisingly joyful “Aha!” moments—like when you suddenly understand why you always procrastinate, or realize a belief you’ve outgrown.

In the end, psychodynamic therapy is about more than just talking. It’s about remembering who you are beneath the conditioning, reclaiming your story, and moving forward with a greater sense of ease and self-compassion.

And if we share a few laughs along the way? Even better.

I am offering in person and virtual sessions, click the link below to see my schedule and pick a time that feels right for you. I look forward to chatting with you soon.

I do offer a sliding scale fee for my services

Book in with Martha