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Psychodynamic Theory

Satisfactory Essays

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

JULY 05, 2011

Psychodynamics is the theory and systematic study of the psychological forces that underlie human behavior, especially the dynamic relations between conscious motivation and unconscious motivation. Psychodynamics also describe the processes of the mind as flows of psychological energy (Libido) in an organically complex brain.
The words ‘psychodynamic’ and ‘psychoanalytic’ are often confused. Sigmund Freud’s theories were psychoanalytic, whereas the term ‘psychodynamic’ refers to both his theories and those of his followers. Freud’s psychoanalysis is both a theory and a therapy. His theory had the main focus that: * Children pass thru a series of age-dependent stages during development * Each …show more content…

There are no accidents and nothing happens by chance this is called Psychic Determinism. * Pleasure Principle is where there is a constant drive to reduce tension through expression of instinctual urges. * Mind is a dynamic is the changing and active process which is based on the pleasure principle. * The libidinal is an energy of the sexual drive however in children it is not purely sexual it is pleasure through sensations example the oral and anal gratification * The cathartic method is where therapy benefits through the release of pent up tension so there is some inherent value in the “talking cure” (eg) being able to “unload”, or “get stuff off the mind. * Primary vrs Secondary Gain * Primary Gain is where symptoms serve a purpose: they function to decrease intra-psychic conflict and distress by keeping such unpleasantries from conscious awareness. * Secondary Gain is where the actual or external advantages that patients gain from their symptoms, or from being ill; relief from duties, responsibilities (work) prescription drugs (ex. Opiates) manipulation in relationships, deferring of legal proceedings, exam, food, shelter, money (financial gain) * Transference occurs where there is a displacement (false attribution) of feelings, attitudes, behavioral expectations and attributes from important childhood relationships to current ones. This traditionally refers to what the patient projects onto the therapist, but applies

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