PSYCHODYNAMIC

PSYCHOTHERAPY:
DEFINITION, GOALS AND
TECHNIQUES
By Dr. S. Reshma Jamal
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Introduction and Definition
• The term psycho-analysis and psychodynamic are often used
interchangeably but actually they differ with each other in principles
and practice.
• Psycho-analysis is used to refer a form of treatment of mental
patients developed and forwarded by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).
• Freud’s personal views, principles, notions and therapeutic
techniques with regard to mental orders are psycho-analysis.
• But later views of other psychologists with modifications,
eliminations, additions other than that of Sigmund Freud is
psychodynamic.
Introduction and Definition (contd.)
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy is characterized by some basic
principles, techniques, as psychoanalysis but with very less
importance to client’s past or unconscious, sex, defense mechanisms
and repration.
• For better understanding of psychodynamic, we should first
understand psycho-analysis.
Psycho-analysis
• Psycho-analysis as a therapy owes its origin to the giant of psychology
Sigmund Freud.
• The term psycho-analysis strictly refers to therapy.
• It is a specialized form of psychotherapy with its distinct techniques,
principles and aim.
• Basically, there are two techniques of psycho-analysis. They are:
1. Free association
2. Dream analysis
Free Association
• Free association is at the base of psycho-analysis. It is regarded as a basic
tool to uncover the pathogenic defenses, conflicts and affects which cause
the problems and disorders.
• Stages of free association:
1. Talking stage
2. Stage of resistance
3. Stage of transference: a. Positive transfer stage
b. Negative transfer stage
4. Interpretations
5. Terminal
Dream Analysis
• Sigmund Freud is the first psychologist who forwarded psychological
theory of dream when he wrote his outstanding book ‘The
Interpretation of Dream’ in the year 1900 and was called a genius.
• According to him, dreams are the royal road of unconscious.
Psychodynamic Therapies
• Psychodynamic is a form of depth psychology.
• The theories of the follower’s of Freud later on deviated from him or
developed their own point of views differing from that of Sigmund
Freud or those who attach and include some of the Freud’s views in
dealing with the clients or patients are psychodynamics.
• Some important features are:
1. In psychodynamic, present and future are considered important.
2. It progresses with limited number of sessions.
3. Therapeutic sessions are always face to face.
4. Coach is not provided to the client rather a comfortable seat is.
Psychodynamic Therapies (contd.)
5. Both therapist and client are equally important in therapeutic
sessions.
6. It is for those who need immediate relief.
7. It has no strict rules or regulations like psycho-analysis.
8. Social conditions and family members are also considered.
• Following are the important forms/kinds of psychodynamic therapies:
1. Analytical or Jungian therapy
2. Adlerian psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Therapies (contd.)
• Under psychodynamic therapies, the following therapies of neo-
Freudians are also considered:
1. Karen Horney’s psychotherapy
2. Otto Rank’s psychotherapy
3. Sullivan’s psychotherapy
4. Erik From’s psychotherapy
5. Karl Gustav’s psychotherapy
Goals of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic therapists explore early experiences.
• Past and present, and the ways in which the past tends to ‘live on’ in the
present.
• How the past sheds light on current psychological difficulties.
• Free patients from the bonds of past experience.
• The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s SELF AWARENESS and
understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior.
• Psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved
conflicts and symptoms that arise from past, dysfunctional relationships
and manifest themselves in the need and desire to abuse substances.
Goals of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
(contd.)
• The goal of therapy is often to change an aspect of one’s identity or
personality or to integrate key developmental learning missed while the
client was stuck at an earlier stage of emotional development.
• Seeing defenses as developing in internal psychic structures in order to
avoid unpleasant consequences of conflict.
• A view that internal representations of experiences are organized around
interpersonal relations.
• Focus on affect and expression of emotion.
• Identification of recurring themes and patterns.
• Exploration of fantasy life.
• Explorations of attempts to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings.
THANK YOU