What is Anxiety Trying to Tell Us? A Psychodynamic Perspective
Have you had the experience of racing thoughts? If you have, you will know what a horrible experience this can be. It’s like your mind is spontaneously running a script that you feel you have no control over. Getting outside into an open space, singing along to the radio, talking to a friend or reading a book can help in the moment. You might also experience a pounding heart or light headedness. These are often surface expressions of something deeper.
Many people who come to therapy are surprised that their anxiety connects to early experiences. In this blog I will explore how psychodynamic counselling can uncover the roots of anxiety and support lasting emotional change.
What is Anxiety Trying to Tell Us?
From a psychodynamic perspective, anxiety isn’t just a symptom to manage – it’s a signal. It may point to unresolved internal conflicts, suppressed emotions or unmet needs from earlier in life.
Some examples can include:
- a pattern of people-pleasing that developed in childhood
- Fear of abandonment linked to early attachment experiences
- Guilt or shame carried from past events that haven’t been processed
People Pleasing and Anxiety
People pleasing can be closely linked to anxiety. It often develops in childhood as a way to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or gain approval from significant people in their lives. By putting others needs first, they feel safer and more accepted. As adults this can become exhausting. Constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations can mean ignoring your own needs and feelings. Over time, the inner conflict and unspoken emotions can build up and contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Psychodynamic therapy explore these deeper layers, not to dwell in the past, but to understand how the past is still active in the present.
How can Psychodynamic Counselling Help?
In psychodynamic work, therapy becomes a reflective space to explore and begin to understand:
- Unconscious patterns driving thoughts and behaviours
- Emotional responses that may not make sense on the surface
- The relationship between client and therapist which can reflect past dynamics
The Benefits of Psychodynamic Exploration
- Relief from anxiety symptoms
- Greater self-understanding and self-acceptance
- Freedom to make choices, not just react from old patterns
Understanding can take time and often happens gradually, but the insights gained can be transformative.
Counselling in St Albans Hertfordshire
If you’re looking for therapy that goes deeper — beyond symptom relief to lasting insight — psychodynamic counselling may be right for you. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your inner world, at your own pace.
I offer counselling in St Albans both online and in person.
If you would like to have a free initial 50 minute session to see how I can help you, please get in touch