Let’s talk about identity, gender, body, sexuality, feelings or relationships.
Psychodynamic therapy, especially with a somatic focus, provides an opportunity to explore self-identity through multiple perspectives, considering ingrained behaviours and established patterns that may not align with one’s true needs and aspirations.
In a world where minorities often encounter discrimination and a lack of respect, it can be incredibly challenging to align personal feelings, values, and beliefs with prevailing societal norms. Psychodynamic therapy offers a pathway for clients to develop a resilient sense of self, helping them to recognise their unique strengths, skills, and vulnerabilities. Through this therapeutic process, clients are encouraged to become more attuned to their own needs and desires, ultimately empowering them to express their true selves.


Together, therapist and client delve into how external stigma can negatively impact one’s internal sense of self and influence self-perception. Research shows that the advantages of psychodynamic therapy are long-lasting, extending well beyond mere symptom relief. For many individuals, this approach fosters a meaningful journey toward authentic development rather than just temporary solutions.
“I am who I am. I feel what I feel. I perceive this as right, wrong, or challenging.”
Creating an environment of understanding and respect for individuals exploring their developing or changing identities is essential in psychodynamic therapy. This approach fosters self-exploration and offers valuable insights. It aids clients in recognising the relationships or gaps between their internal feelings and the outside world, while also guiding them in setting healthy boundaries that enhance their sense of security. With the client’s commitment to the therapeutic process, this type of therapy can cultivate inner resilience and abilities, paving the way for a more vibrant, free, and satisfying life, along with a stronger sense of self.
“I crave intimacy but haven’t figured out what my needs are.”
Navigating a challenging period in your life can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you’re still trying to understand your own identity. During such times, facing criticism or disapproval from those around you may feel even more daunting. During such periods, you might find yourself physically and emotionally exposed. Creating a nurturing support system is essential, and seeking the help of a therapist can be a wonderful step. Having someone who is not directly involved in your life can provide a safe space for you to explore your fears, anxieties, and vulnerabilities around creating and maintaining safe and healthy boundaries. This exploration is crucial for overcoming the barriers that prevent you from forming the meaningful connections you desire. By utilising a psychodynamic approach, you can gain insights into the importance of attachment and how it influences your relationships. This journey allows you to appreciate the deep human need for intimacy and the fundamental desire to be heard, seen, felt and understood.


“Who am I?”
The path to recognising and accepting your gender identity and/or sexual orientation can be filled with hurdles, including internalised stigma, discrimination, and societal rejection. In therapy, we focus on listening and fostering a safe space for your self-exploration that meets your individual needs. Psychodynamic therapy opens avenues to explore a client’s past and personal experiences while promoting a deeper understanding of the inner struggles that can emerge in relation to the outside world.
“As a therapist, my goal is to cultivate an affirmative, inclusive, and nurturing environment where clients can feel safe, discover and articulate their voice, exploring their identity within a therapeutic relationship that respects their uniqueness and desire for growth. Acknowledging each client’s personal narrative is essential to me for building trust and creating a safe space, ensuring that everyone is recognised as an individual. I truly enjoy connecting with people in person.”
Elisabeth (she/her) is our dedicated Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Creative Arts Therapist, providing empathetic care for her clients in the LGBTIQA+ community. She likes to think outside the box and seeks innovative methods to enhance communication and build meaningful connections with her clients. She is a registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor with PACFA, as well as a professionally recognised Creative Arts Therapist with ANZACATA. Her diverse interests encompass Trauma, C-PTSD, Neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia), Identity Development, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health Disorders, Chronic Pain and Existential Self-Exploration.
Article by Elisabeth Eitelberger
References:
Becker, Brian W., 1980- editor, Manoussakis, J. P., editor, & Goodman, D., 1980- editor. (2018). In Becker B. W., Manoussakis J. P. and Goodman D. M.(Eds.), Unconscious incarnations: Psychoanalytic and philosophical perspectives on the body (1st ed.). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351180191
Burger, J., & Pachankis, J. E. (2024). State of the Science: LGBTQ-Affirmative Psychotherapy. Behavior Therapy, 55(6), 1318–1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2024.02.011
Diamond, N. (2013). Between skins: The body in psychoanalysis–contemporary developments (1. Aufl. ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Halprin, D. (2003;2002;). The expressive body in life, art, and therapy: Working with movement, metaphor, and meaning. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Lavendel, F. (2017). Healing into wholeness: Psychotherapy practice informed by the discipline of authentic movement. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, 12(3), 210-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432979.2016.1231135
Marratto, Scott L. 1968- (Scott Louis). (2012). The intercorporeal self: Merleau-ponty on subjectivity. State University of New York Press.
Moon, B. L. (2007). The role of metaphor in art therapy: Theory, method, and experience. Charles C. Thomas.
Shuper Engelhard, E., Pitluk, M., & Elboim-Gabyzon, M. (2021). Grounding the connection between psyche and soma: Creating a reliable observation tool for grounding assessment in an adult population. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 621958-621958. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621958
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