Psychodynamic therapy

Introduction to psychodynamic therapy

 Psychodynamic therapy involves the

interpretation of mental and emotional processes
rather than focusing on behavior.
 Psychodynamic therapists attempt to help clients
find patterns in their emotions, thoughts, and
beliefs in order to gain insight into their current
self.
Psychodynamic therapy has it’s root on
psychodynamic theory.

 Sigmund Freud’s name comes to mind when we hear this

theory.
 He proposed that human mind is composed of three
components:
1. The id, which consists of instinct and forms the basis of the
unconscious mind;
2. The superego, or moral component that houses our beliefs of right
and wrong;
3. The ego, the mediator between the animal instinct of the id and the
enlightened moral thought of the superego
Freud also said about the three levels of mind
such as:
 Conscious- is where the current thoughts are
involved,
 The pre-conscious- is where the previous or
stored information's are there which can be
easily brought to mind
 The unconscious- is where those unpleasant
memories which the person don’t want to
think of is being suppressed.
Even though psychodynamic approached developed
a lot it still has some resemblance with Freud’s
ideas:
• The unconscious mind is one of the most powerful
drivers of human behavior and emotion;
• No behavior is without cause—all behavior is
determined
• Childhood experiences imposes a significant influence
on thoughts, emotions, and behavior as an adult;
• Important conflicts during childhood development
shape our overall personality as adults
 Role of psychodynamic approach

 Thetherapist encourages the client to talk about

the emotions they feel and also helps the client to
understand and identify repeated patterns in their
thoughts, etc.
 The therapist helps the client to talk about their
childhood experiences, that is., their past.
 The therapist observes how the client interacts within
the therapeutic relationship and add their own insight
into the client’s relationship habits to the discussion.
 Goals of psychodynamic therapy

The goals of psychodynamic therapy are :

 (1) enhance the client’s self-awareness and
 (2) foster understanding of the client’s thoughts,
feelings, and beliefs in relation to their past
experiences, especially his or her experiences as
a child.
 Types of psychodynamic therapy

 Brief psychodynamic therapy- This type of therapy occurs over a few

sessions or even just one session. This is usually helpful for clients
who has some specific problem and needs to overcome that. It has
been helpful for situations like:
• Physical abuse case
• Accident (traffic, physical injury, etc.);
• Act of terrorism;
• Acute psychological disturbances (like anxiety or depression);
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Management
• Traumatic family event (discovery of a secret, divorce, etc.).
 Psychodynamic Family Therapy- Along with the therapist
the other people who are involved in this are two adults in
a romantic relationships, parents, siblings, etc. This is
usually a relatively longer and looks at the chronic
problems in the family.

 Psychodynamic Art / Music Therapy- This therapy

involves the expression of feelings and emotions through
art or music. Using art or music the therapist or client
forms a better form of understanding and this is helpful
for those who are shy and are finding it difficult to express
their ideas.
 Tools and techniques in
psychodynamic therapy
 Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM)- Those
therapist who follow psychodynamic therapy uses
this manual in order to diagnose and to treat
clients.
 Rorschach Inkblots- Clients will be shown ink blot
cards where they will interpret those cards and the
therapist is able to understand inner ongoing
thoughts & cognitive structure, and other
psychopathology related with client life.
 Freudian Slip- These slips refer to instances when
the client mean to say one thing but accidentally let
“slip” another, specifically when deeper meaning
can be attributed to this slip.
 Free Association- This is where the client is allowed
to talk freely.
 Dream Analysis- Dream analysis is undertaken by
discussing the client’s dreams in detail. The
therapist will guide the client through this
discussion, asking questions and prodding the client
to remember and describe the dream in as much
detail as possible.
 Psychodynamic therapy is suited for:

• Anxiety
• Panic disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder
• Stress-related physical ailments
• Physical symptoms that lack a physical basis
• Persistent feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Prolonged sadness
• Sexual difficulties
 Some of the benefits or other goals of
psychodynamic therapy
• Increasing self esteem
• Developing the ability to have more satisfying relationships
• Increasing confidence in personal abilities
• Increasing understanding of self and others
• Recognition and toleration of a wider range of emotions
• Gradually becoming more able to face issues and difficulties
• Benefits that endure and increase with time