Psychology In Seattle Podcast Psychodynamic Therapy (Deep Dive) (2015 Rerun)
Mar 13, 2026
A clinician explains what psychodynamic therapy looks like in practice and why object relations appealed to him. Short reflections cover theory versus technique and how different approaches get blended. Guidance is offered for novice therapists navigating complexity and training choices.
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Psychodynamic Therapy Grows Clearer With Experience
- Kirk Honda found psychodynamic theory confusing initially but experienced increasing appreciation as he studied object relations in graduate school.
- His long-term study and clinical use shifted confusion into a respected, flexible framework he now champions.
Choosing Object Relations Shaped His Career
- Kirk chose object relations family therapy as his focus during graduate school and committed to learning it deeply.
- That choice shaped his career identity and led him to be known at his university as the psychodynamic expert.
Psychodynamic Work Is Theory Driven Not Technique Bound
- Psychodynamic therapy is guided by broad theory rather than fixed techniques and varies widely between practitioners.
- Kirk describes it as an art form where each therapist applies different assumptions and behaviors within the same theoretical umbrella.