75 Insightful Questions for Clients in Psychodynamic Therapy Sessions

Psychodynamic therapy originated from the idea that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories influence our actions. Over time, this method has shifted to assist clients in resolving unresolved conflicts to lessen their effects on personality traits and behaviors. Freud’s foundational ideas have been shaped by influential figures like Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Anna Freud, Erik Erikson, and Wilhelm Reich. Keep reading for 75 psychodynamic therapy questions you can pose during counseling sessions.

Key themes in psychodynamic therapy include the unconscious mind, dream interpretation, ego, object relations theory, transference, and countertransference. Other important subjects involve defense mechanisms and early childhood relationships that contribute to personality development.

Psychodynamic therapy is generally a long-term approach suitable for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and certain personality disorders. It has also been applied, albeit with limited scientific evidence, to conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bulimia nervosa, cocaine dependence, and psychosis.

Explore all of our Psychodynamic Therapy Worksheets

Preparing for Your First Psychodynamic Therapy Session with a New Client

Before starting therapy with a new client, review the expected duration and costs of this treatment approach. While it tends to be pricier than other therapies, research suggests it may provide slightly better outcomes for mood and anxiety disorders compared to short-term therapies.

Prior to meeting your new client, it’s beneficial to examine any documentation you have, such as self-assessments, referral forms, and intake assessments. This helps you grasp the client’s concerns and objectives to better prepare for the session.

Worksheets can be effective tools in therapy, serving as reminders of the work accomplished during sessions. TherapyByPro offers a useful collection of customizable worksheets and other resources for mental health professionals. Some psychodynamic therapy worksheets you might find useful include:

What Psychodynamic Therapy Questions Should I Ask During Sessions?

Psychodynamic therapy questions can effectively guide clients to explore fundamental thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Tailor your questions to fit the specific needs of your client, focusing on themes that connect with their current mental health issues. These themes may encompass early childhood, family relationships, attachment styles, defense mechanisms, relationships, and unconscious thoughts or dreams. Below are suggested questions for psychodynamic therapy sessions:

1. What is your earliest memory that you can share?
2. How did the male figures in your life express love and discipline?
3. Tell me about significant female relationships from your childhood.
4. Who made you feel safe when you were a child?
5. Were emotions freely expressed in your family when you were young?
6. What role did you play in your family (e.g., caretaker, rebel, peacemaker)?
7. How did adults in your life react when you made mistakes?
8. Describe your relationships with your siblings.
9. Were there any unspoken rules in your household?
10. How did your caregivers deal with anger and sadness?
11. Do you remember any instances of separation from caregivers in your childhood?
12. How did your family cope with grief and loss?
13. Did you feel emotionally secure as a child?
14. How do you manage disappointment from important people in your life?
15. Can you share a time when you felt abandoned?
16. Do you find it easy to trust others?
17. What memories do you associate with feeling safe?
18. Were there moments in your childhood when you feared rejection?
19. How do you handle feelings of being overwhelmed?
20. Are there emotions you often try to avoid?
21. Is this avoidance deliberate or more unconscious for you?
22. Do you tend to prioritize others’ needs over your own?
23. Can you recall a time when your reaction surprised you?
24. Do you have concerns about being vulnerable with others?
25. Have you recognized patterns in your relationships?
26. Are there ongoing conflicts in various parts of your life?
27. At times, do you feel like you are reliving past experiences?
28. What are some behaviors you’ve sworn you wouldn’t repeat but found yourself doing?
29. Can you think of a moment when you undermined yourself?
30. Have you noticed recurring themes in your dreams or fantasies?
31. How do you show love and affection?
32. How comfortable are you with emotional closeness?
33. What is your reaction when someone lets you down?
34. Do you ever worry about being overly dependent on others?
35. What expectations do you believe others have of you?
36. Can you describe your authentic self?
37. Are there aspects of yourself that you conceal?
38. How would you assess your self-worth?
39. What are your thoughts about your self-esteem?
40. Can you identify a specific event that impacted your self-esteem?
41. …