Comparing Two Psychodynamic Theories

In the counseling world today understanding psychodynamic approaches is more crucial than ever in the assessment and treatment of any psychological issue. Psychodynamic approaches such as Individual therapy, analytical therapy and psychoanalysis are similar in many ways but also differ based on the individuals own perception and circumstances. I will discuss the similarities as well difference’s and why these forms of therapy are critical in the assessment and treatment of clients.

In life, humanity is on a journey much like walking through a forest full of trees that requires consistent observation while navigating the path traveled. Remaining on course is a very important part of arriving at the destination of achievement and success. There is no way to have complete certainty of always arriving on time, as all the variables come into the picture of that journey which psychology also does in relation to the mind. The psychodynamic theory in comparison to the cognitive behavior theory is somewhat well viewed in focus of examining the mental process of what one does based upon what one has thought of doing. To consider the contrast of

Fraley (2002) completed a meta analysis of studies concerning attachment in order to investigate the level of attachment pattern’s continuity throughout life. The study indicated that there was a certain stability of the attachment pattern, and that the stability is independent of time. Even though it is theorized that a secure pattern will be likely to stay unchanged, it is still indicated that experiences such as bad relationships will be able to change the attachment pattern (Fraley,

In this approach we see the theories of psychology that see the human mind function based upon the interaction of forces and drives within the mind, normally this means unconscious thoughts, but it also includes looking at the different structures of the personality.

Jones and Butman (2012) in the text explain that cognitive therapy is a popular and extensively studied theory of understanding human personality. Cognitive therapies theorize that behavior is determined by internal or mental events. Initially the theory focused on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts. However, recent models of the theory seek to help people evaluate, and change their thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. In addition, newer models of the theory seek to help clients and understand the interactional nature of their thoughts and behaviors. Jones and Butman acknowledge that cognitive therapy models lack a theory of personality development (Jones & Butman, 2012).

However, According to Freud, the super-ego exists as a way to level out the ego, and, in a way, keep it in check. Therefore, the super-ego is responsible for an individual’s conscience, or, their ability to feel guilt. Freud continues his explanation of these concepts by asserting the idea that the super-ego calls our attention to our own failures and misconducts, and attempts to assist us in learning from them in order to avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Furthermore, the conscience is the form in which the super-ego controls our actions and thoughts, and creates guilt within us. Therefore, the ego is the decision-making, acting part of an individual, while the super-ego acts as the ego’s voice of authority and control (Freud).

Transference can be describe as the unfinished business of an individual, unconscious feelings and behaviors or cognitive distortions that are or could be repeated while individuals get to know their new relationships, friends, or even therapist. Moreover, Levy and Scala (2012) defined “transference as a tendency in which representational aspects of important and formative relationships can be both consciously experienced and/or unconsciously ascribed to other relationships” (as cited in Ulberg, R., Svein, A., Critchfield, K. L., Marble, A., and Høglend, P, 2014 .p.267). Furthermore, the past experiences and memories can comes to light when meeting new people; those perceptions that are scripted in our brain influence our future relations with other people in society (Cheri L. Marmarosh 2012). In contrast, the countertransference is when the therapist/Mental health counselor has

Object relations theory is a psychodynamic theory that observes our capability to form long-lasting attachments, and is based on our early experiences of disconnection from and connections with out primary caregivers. We internalize our initial relationship examples, which means that our first relationships make lasting impressions on us, determining how we approach future relationships. Also, object relations theory studies how people form various attitudes towards others and how those attitudes affect their view of themselves as well as social relationships. There is a central notion of object relation’s theory, which is that all people naturally search for relationships with others, what this theory looks at is how well an individual can form the interpersonal relationship and what, if any, deficiencies in social functioning may have occurred. For social workers, this theory is helpful in seeing an individual in the framework of the relationship rather than an individual being. According to object relations theory, the ultimate situation is to be raised by caregivers who in turn help us to progressively and appropriately move away from their physical and emotional direct care while they continue to convey their availability for support (Hutchison, 2013). These early associations are a major determinant of our personalities and the quality of our interpersonal performance (Hutchison, 2013; Dorfman, Meyer, & Morgan, 1998). Essentially, an

Psychology, due to its complexity can be approached in a variety of ways. To help us understand the human mind, behaviourist and psychodynamic approaches have helped us understand the alternative outlooks in the science of mind and behaviour. Both approaches can be examined by the means of theoretical assumptions and methodology.

Psychology is not just philosophical speculation and reasoning over the years it has evolved and it is now also recognised as a science, to understand what psychology is all about it is necessary to know it’s origins and the theorist who brought it out of obscurity, Sigmund Freud. He developed the Psychodynamic or Psychoanalytical perspective to enable better understanding of human behaviour these concepts will be discussed further later in this study. After Freud opened the gateway other perspectives and approaches have been developed, now with five main areas of psychology - Cognitive, Behaviourist, Biopsychology and Humanist approaches. For a comparison with the Psychodynamic theory, Behaviourist Theory will be discussed.

Sigmund Freud’s theory on human behavior sectioned the mind into three parts. The three parts are the Id, the Ego, and the Superego. The Id is your instinct, the Ego is your reality, and the Superego is your morality. An instinctual reaction to fear

In this section, a summarization of attachment theory will be given; why attachment is important in healthy personality development; its survival component and its transgenerational effects.

The Psychodynamic Theory, or psychoanalytic as it is also referred to, stresses the influence of unconscious forces on human behavior. It is the systematized study and theory of the psychological forces that underlie human behavior, emphasizing the interplay between unconscious and conscious motivation (Gallop & Reynolds 2004). Its roots focus on the roles of unconscious sexual and aggressive impulses as a motive for choice and self-direction. The theory presents itself as our way of trying to balance our feelings, the unconscious being the reason why aggressive impulses are common reactions to the frustrations of daily life and that we seek to vent these impulses on other people. But because we fear rejection and retaliation, we put most

This perspective involves examining the physical aspects that affect a living thing’s behavior such as the brain, nervous system, and genetics.

The two theories discussed here will be the Psychodynamic Theory and the Social Learning Theory. Psychodynamic theories include the wisdom of Freud and Jung. Freud discusses, defense mechanisms, understanding the ego as it relates to rational thinking and the superego in regard to mortality. Whereas the Social Learning Theory includes those works from Bandura, Watson, and Piaget among others. This theory will focus on imitation, observation and modeling another’s behavior to achieve a certain desired outcome. Although their conceptual theories differ, they both reflect, shape, and interpret the very essence of the human psyche and how we have evolved and developed over the years.