The role of hope in psychodynamic therapy (PDT) for complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) focuses on the interpersonal relationships of sufferers with difficulty forming trust-based relationships. By focusing on the relationship with the therapist, PDT helps sufferers gain insights into other interpersonal relations. Hope plays an important role in the process, as described by Stephen A. Mitchell, and it could be useful to utilize this concept's uniqueness in order to understand PDT processes. The article describes the process in which my hopes as the therapist drew closer to those of Daniel, the patient, within the potential space built by therapy. Inner change arose when the client 'lived' the new words suggested by me during the interpretation work, which broke down the old familiar awareness states while symbolizing new hopes and states of awareness. This article is important for clinicians by indicating the salience of PDT for treating C-PTSD sufferers, while introducing clinicians to the concept of 'Hope'.