INSIGHT-ORIENTED THERAPY
Psychodynamic Therapy in London & Burlington, Ontario
Do certain emotions or relationship patterns seem to keep showing up, even when you try to approach things differently? Psychodynamic therapy can help you explore those patterns with greater understanding and curiosity.
At Steyaert Counselling, Hannah offers psychodynamic therapy in London and Hailey offers it in Burlington. Both therapists also provide online and phone appointments across Ontario.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that looks at how feelings, relationships and patterns we may not fully recognize can influence our lives. We explore what is happening now while staying curious about earlier experiences that may help make sense of it.
For example, someone might repeatedly worry about disappointing others, feel uncomfortable setting boundaries or withdraw when a relationship becomes difficult. Psychodynamic work offers a way to notice those responses, understand what they mean and consider new choices. It does not assume that everything began in childhood or that one explanation fits every person.
You may also hear the term psychodynamic psychotherapy. It describes this same broad approach. It has historical roots in psychoanalysis, but contemporary psychodynamic therapy is usually a conversational, collaborative form of counselling rather than traditional intensive psychoanalysis.
WHEN PATTERNS FEEL HARD TO CHANGE
What Might Bring You to Psychodynamic Therapy?
You do not need to know why something is happening before coming to therapy. Sometimes the starting point is simply recognizing that a familiar feeling or response keeps getting in the way.
Often, it starts with everyday experiences
You may feel anxious about being judged even when others seem supportive. You may notice that you take responsibility for everyone else, find it hard to trust people or repeat the same arguments in different relationships.
Some people want to make sense of low mood, self-criticism, stress or a life transition. Others feel reasonably capable day to day but are curious about why certain experiences affect them so strongly.
The work can be relevant to concerns such as anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. A therapist can help determine whether psychodynamic work, another approach or a combination best suits your needs.
You might recognize…
Feeling guilty when you say no, even when your boundaries are reasonable.
Wanting closeness while expecting someone to let you down.
Avoiding conflict, then feeling frustrated that your needs go unheard.
Being especially hard on yourself after ordinary mistakes.
These are examples, not signs of a diagnosis. Your experiences and context guide the conversation.
WHAT SESSIONS MAY INVOLVE
How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work?
The conversations are open enough to follow what matters to you, while still having a shared purpose. Your therapist may help you connect a present difficulty with emotions, expectations or patterns that have been easier to overlook.
01
Start with what is happening now
We begin with the concern that brought you in. This might be an argument, a difficult feeling, a relationship or a decision you are struggling to make.
02
Notice feelings and recurring patterns
We explore emotional reactions, assumptions and ways of protecting yourself that may have become familiar. Earlier experiences can be discussed when they help.
03
Build understanding you can use
As patterns become clearer, we talk about what you might want to do differently. Your goals, pace and feedback help shape the work.
Sometimes feelings about the therapy relationship itself can be worth talking through, including hesitation, worry about judgment or moments of misunderstanding. We approach these conversations with care and clear professional boundaries.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
When Saying Yes Leaves You Feeling Resentful
Imagine a colleague asks you to take on extra work. You are already overwhelmed, but you agree right away. Later you feel irritated, worry that you are falling behind and wonder why it was so difficult to refuse.
Rather than treating the moment as a simple time-management problem, psychodynamic therapy might explore the pressure you felt to be agreeable, the discomfort that came with imagining someone being disappointed, and whether that expectation feels familiar.
The question can change
At first: “Why do I keep doing this?”
With reflection: “What do I fear will happen if I disappoint someone, and what would a different response look like?”
Insight is most useful when it gives you more room to make choices in everyday life.
Is Psychodynamic Therapy Evidence-Based?
Research supports some psychodynamic treatments for particular mental health concerns. The American Psychological Association includes psychodynamic therapy among recommended psychotherapy options for depression in adults. Its guidance also notes that psychodynamic therapy includes different models, so treatment is not identical from one therapist to another.
A 2024 review comparing manualized psychodynamic therapy and CBT for adult depression found comparable depressive-symptom outcomes immediately after treatment in the studies analyzed. That finding does not establish that the approaches are equally effective for every condition, person or longer-term outcome.
Research can inform treatment decisions, but it cannot tell us in advance exactly how one person will respond. Together, we consider your main concerns, goals, preferences and whether the approach feels helpful.
FINDING THE RIGHT STYLE OF THERAPY
Psychodynamic Therapy and Related Approaches
Different approaches ask different questions. We can discuss what fits your goals, and it is possible to draw from more than one model when that makes sense.
Compared with CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) often uses more structured exercises to work with present-day thoughts and behaviours. Psychodynamic work tends to spend more time exploring emotional meaning, relationship patterns and reactions that are not immediately obvious.
Hannah uses both approaches and may draw on practical CBT strategies when they suit a client’s goals.
Compared with attachment-based work
Attachment-Based Therapy pays particular attention to trust, closeness, safety and patterns in important relationships. Psychodynamic therapy can explore similar themes, but has a broader interest in emotions, internal conflicts and patterns of self-understanding.
These perspectives can inform each other without being the same treatment.
What about psychoanalysis? Traditional psychoanalysis can involve more intensive, frequent sessions and a different therapeutic setup. Modern psychodynamic psychotherapy is generally more flexible. The exact way sessions are structured depends on your therapist and treatment plan.
MEET OUR THERAPISTS
Choose a Therapist and Approach That Fits
Psychodynamic therapy is central to Hannah’s work. We also offer counselling through Hailey in Burlington, with treatment shaped around her approved approaches and your goals.
Hannah Steyaert, M.A., RP
LONDON & ONLINE ACROSS ONTARIO
Psychodynamic therapy is Hannah’s primary therapeutic approach. She works with clients to explore recurring emotions, relationship patterns and experiences that may influence how they feel and respond today. Her work may also incorporate other approaches, including CBT and attachment-based therapy, where appropriate.
In-person sessions in London, with online and phone appointments for Ontario clients. Meet Hannah.
Hailey Steyaert, M.A., RP
BURLINGTON & ONLINE ACROSS ONTARIO
Hailey also offers psychodynamic therapy, helping clients explore emotional experiences, relationship patterns and the concerns affecting their lives today. Her collaborative approach may incorporate ACT, trauma-informed perspectives and DBT-informed skills depending on each client’s needs and goals.
In-person sessions in Burlington, with online and phone appointments for Ontario clients. Meet Hailey.
Not sure which therapist or approach to begin with? A free 15-minute consultation can help you ask questions and choose a direction.
LOCAL AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Counselling in London, Burlington and Across Ontario
Choose the setting that works for you. Both offices offer free parking, and online or phone appointments are available through both therapists.
Psychodynamic Therapy in London, Ontario
659 Central Ave, Suite 15
London, ON N5W 3P7
Meet with Hannah in person for psychodynamic therapy and other approaches.
226-970-2861 · Free parking
Psychodynamic Therapy in Burlington, Ontario
582 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7R 3M4
Meet with Hailey for counselling based on her approach and your goals.
647-970-1790 · Free parking
Online Psychodynamic Therapy Across Ontario
Secure online appointments
and phone sessions
Work with Hannah for psychodynamic therapy online, or explore other approaches with either therapist.
Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for You?
You may appreciate a therapy style that makes room to look beneath an immediate problem, explore feelings at your own pace and notice patterns across different parts of life. You do not have to be ready to discuss every past experience.
Some people are looking primarily for practical tools or a highly structured plan. Others want a blend of reflection and skills. Hannah can talk with you about the differences and what may be most appropriate. Individual therapy is also a straightforward way to begin if you are still deciding what type of support you need.
For concerns you want to work through with a partner, you can also explore our couples therapy service. We can discuss together which format is suitable.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About Psychodynamic Therapy
It is normal to have questions about what this approach involves and whether it might feel right for you.
A SIMPLE NEXT STEP
Start With a Free 15-Minute Consultation
You can talk about what you are hoping to work on and ask whether psychodynamic therapy feels like a good fit. If you are uncertain which therapist to choose, you are welcome to send us a question instead.
Ready to choose an appointment?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Hannah or Hailey through Jane. Choosing a consultation lets you see the available booking options.
Hannah in London: 226-970-2861
Hailey in Burlington: 647-970-1790
Have a question before booking?
Use the form below if you would like help choosing a therapist or have a question about our services. An inquiry does not reserve an appointment, and you do not need to share your full history here.
Clinical Sources and Further Reading
American Psychological Association: Depression Treatments for Adults · 2024 comparison of psychodynamic therapy and CBT for adult depression (PubMed).