It derives from but then widens and builds upon the Freudian approach, recognising the role of the subconscious plus effects from early childhood and working at some depth - and possibly also for some considerable time! I have had both positive and negative experiences, with much depending upon the individual therapist.
On the plus side, I like working at depth and exploring drives and influences. On the downside, it can work out expensive, take a lot of sessions and also involve the use of the "blank slate" approach, in which the therapist adopts a very neutral stance, effectively withholding many of their own comments and observations so that the client projects their own material (via transference processes) into the space. Whilst this can represent a great opportunity for growth and learning, some (myself included) might want to work with a more responsive therapist.
My own preference (for what it's worth) would be for a person-centred approach. For me the therapeutic relationship is paramount as, unless this is nurtured and maintained, the client probably won't feel comfortable and might not even want to come back at all.
I'm not sure how a psychodynamic approach might be adapted for teens so maybe someone can advise.
I have some limited experience of this, but not with teenagers. I'd probably want to know more about the practitioner and their experience of working with teens as much as their modality. Plus also talk with the teenager about what it is they'd want out of therapy and what they think will suit them.
What is is that draws you to this type of therapy and what would be your hopes and expectations?
