Psychodynamic Therapeutic Approach

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.

Their teacher replies ‘ Because each has something different to offer to our understanding of behaviour, making each approach unique.’

The history of Psychodynamic psychology originated with Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century. Freud proposed a psychodynamic theory to which personality consists of the id. The Id is present at birth and it resides in the world of unconsciousness. Freud also said that the unconscious is also a place where human instinctual biological drives reside. The drives direct our behaviour towards choices that promise to satisfy our basic human needs. The drives ensure our survival like drinking water and eating food, the desire for reproduction and the necessity for aggression.

Psychodynamic therapy has been around for ages, and has been very beneficial for clients who are suffering from an array of difficulties in life. This form of therapy has the client focus on the past and understand how it has positively or negatively affected his/her behavior and outlook on life. There are many advantages and disadvantages to taking this historical approach when working with families.

One of the methods used by the psychodynamic approach is case studies. Case studies are used to practice their therapy on to see if it actually works. The therapy created by Sigmund Freud, is called psychoanalysis. An example of one of the case studies would be the case study of Little Hans. Hans was at the age where he noticed he had a penis and therefore played with it a lot. His mother noticed this and told him to stop it otherwise she would call the doctor and get him to cut it off. Hans later on developed a phobia of horses, so his father got in touch with Freud and told him about Hans’ strange behaviour and he suggested that

Firstly I'm going to evaluate Psychodynamic Psychology as this is one that I have previous knowledge about. First founded by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) an Austrian Psychologist who linked childhood experience with how it influences us as adults. He described that experiencing something in childhood resulted in similar behaviour as an adult. The Psychodynamic approach believes we have drives which can determine our behaviour and that these drives are shaped in childhood and this is where we develop our personality. The strengths to this approach is that if we get to the core of the problem psychologically and tackle the memory linked to the behaviour, it may change the way we interpret memory into the certain behaviour.

Within the early practices of family therapy, it began during the 1950’s and focused upon an individual-therapist relationship (www.abacon.com). Early therapist such as Freud and Rodgers focused upon the individual behavior which was internal, even though they understood that family interactions shapes a person’s

My first assumption of family therapy was to involve the parents and the individual that had the problem. This book explored further what it

Therapists basically explore avoidances, thoughts, feelings, relationships and life experiences. A patient sometimes may be aware of his condition but not be able to escape or explain it. Through the analysis of a patient’s early experiences of attachment figures and how they have affect him, he will be able to free himself from the bonds of past. To accomplish that, the psychodynamic therapy, focuses on interpersonal relations, on the affect and expression of emotions helping the patients through discussion to describe feelings which are troubling them and they do not recognise. Patients usually attempt to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings. At some cases, they present avoidance, defence and resistance by missing sessions or change the topic when certain ides arise. They also view the therapist with suspicion because they may have feelings of disapproval, rejection or even abandonment. This kind of therapy based on research has shown that leads to on-going change, even after it has ended.(Jonathan Shedler, American Psychologists;University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; February–March 2010)

Compare the Behaviourist and Psychodynamic approaches to Psychology in terms of theoretical assumptions and methodology.

When developing a treatment plan for any complex case, it is critical to consider any factors that contribute to the client’s situation. One must generate a plan of action that will support the client appropriately and yet not be overwhelming. It often takes a long time for a client to come to terms that they need help. For many, seeking mental health services can be both a daunting and intimidating laden with feelings of failure and disappointment.

Mary is 29 year old white female who has 2 children and is divorce from her husband whom she said kept her on a tight lease, engaged in drug use and was very controlling. She stated the cause of the divorce was catching her husband in the bed with another woman and she was having a hard time forgiving him. She has 2 children by her former husband but is currently now in a new relationship. She also worries about the welfare of her children when they go over to visit their father and states that her son often comes back defiant and angry. Mary states that she feels lethargic and is having difficulties with her son and he new boyfriend. Despite being sent home for behavioral issues she is at a loss as to how to assist her son. Mary does not having a lot of support from her family. Her mother previously engaged in drug use but is now clean and lives far away. Her father and her have a strained relationship since he cheated on her mother and she admitted that she has had a hard time forgiving him for such actions.

Professional competency is the ability to recognize our limitations and correct them. I found myself immediately turning those awkward moments in to moment of theory. I would choose an evidence-based theory such as Cognitive Behavioral or Psychodynamic approach to confine the session’s focus on the member. Even though I consciously was mindful of my redirection, I was still observant of the arousal of emotions I felt inside. The facilitator often used those opportunities to disclose something personal too, which produce conflictual thoughts with in me; I wonder are you disclosing because I did or are you experiencing countertransference too.

Do you know who you are? Some of us do, but for others it is still a mystery. Learning of ones’ personality has led many to a variety of conclusions. These theories include advantages and disadvantages of Psychodynamic, trait or five factor model, humanistic, and social cognitive.

There are useful observations based on understanding of Adaptive Leadership, Psychodynamic Approach, and Team Leadership as they apply to the leadership of Friendship Baptist Church. The theoretical study of the application of these theories offer some informative data sets.