Definitions

Question 1

Intraphyschic

Answer 1

Intrapsychic refers to the mental processes and experiences that occur within an individual’s mind.

Refers to the workings of the unconscious and conscious mind and how they interact to create a person’s unique perspective and experiences.

Question 2

Defence

Answer 2

Viewed as an intrapsychic process that functions to avoid emotional pain by pushing thoughts, feelings, emotions, and fantasies out of awareness

Question 3

Projection

Answer 3

Projection is a defence mechanism in which an individual attributes their own unconscious thoughts, feelings, or desires to another person. In the context of counselling, projection is often used to explain why some individuals struggle to take responsibility for their own thoughts and behaviours. Instead, they project their negative or unacceptable qualities onto others, blaming them for their problems.

Question 4

Displacement

Answer 4

Displacement is a defense mechanism in which an individual redirects an unacceptable or unwanted emotion or impulse from its original target onto a substitute target that is more socially acceptable. For example, if an individual is angry with their boss but is unable to express that anger directly, they may instead take out their frustration on their spouse or children. The individual is displacing their anger from its original target (the boss) to a substitute target (the spouse or children).

Question 5

Reaction formation

Answer 5

Reaction formation is a defence mechanism in which an individual unconsciously responds to their own unacceptable impulses or desires by acting in a manner that is directly opposite to those impulses. This allows them to avoid the uncomfortable feelings associated with those impulses, and maintain a sense of self that is consistent with their values and beliefs. For example, someone who has strong unconscious desires to be aggressive might instead become overly passive or passive-aggressive. They might act in a way that is nice and helpful to others, while secretly harbouring feelings of anger and frustration.

Question 6

Splitting

Answer 6

Splitting is a defence mechanism in which an individual sees people, objects, or situations as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. This is a common feature of borderline personality disorder and can result in intense, unstable relationships and a lack of self-identity. For example, someone who splits might see a romantic partner as perfect and loving one moment, and then as evil and cruel the next, without any middle ground. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining stable, healthy relationships and a sense of self-worth. In counselling, splitting can be addressed by helping the client understand their unconscious thoughts and feelings, and how they are using splitting as a defence mechanism. By becoming aware of these patterns, clients can begin to work towards integrating their black-and-white thinking and develop a more nuanced, complex view of themselves and others. This can lead to greater self-awareness, improved interpersonal relationships, and an increased sense of personal growth and well-being.

Question 7

Intellectualization

Answer 7

Intellectualization is a defence mechanism in which individuals attempt to distance themselves emotionally from a traumatic or upsetting situation by thinking about it in a detached and analytical manner. Instead of experiencing the feelings associated with the situation, individuals who intellectualize may focus on the logic and facts of the situation, rather than the emotions involved. This can serve as a temporary coping strategy, but it can also prevent individuals from fully processing and resolving their emotions, leading to long-term difficulties. Intellectualization can be seen as a form of avoidance, where individuals avoid facing their emotions by focusing on the intellectual aspects of the situation. It is often used as a way to protect oneself from the pain of confronting difficult emotions, but it can also limit one’s ability to understand and manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Question 8

Transference

Answer 8

Transference refers to the unconscious redirection of feelings and attitudes from one person to another. In the context of psychotherapy and counselling, transference refers to the phenomenon where a client unconsciously begins to transfer feelings, attitudes, and behaviours that they had towards important figures from their past, such as parents or caregivers, onto their therapist. This process can occur in therapy because the therapeutic relationship often resembles important relationships from a client’s past and can evoke similar emotions, feelings, and behaviours.

Question 9

One-person psychology and two-person psychology

Answer 9

A shift from one-person psychology to two-person psychology means changing the way we think about human behaviour and mental processes. Instead of just looking at one person, this shift focuses on the relationship between two people and how they influence each other. It’s about understanding how our behaviour, thoughts, and feelings are affected by the people we interact with and how we affect them in return. This is a more relational approach, rather than just looking at individuals in isolation.

Question 10

Repetition compulsion

Answer 10

Repetition compulsion can be seen as a mechanism for coping with difficult experiences or emotions. By repeating certain patterns, people may feel a sense of control over their past experiences and a sense of resolution for their pain. However, repetition compulsion can also lead to the perpetuation of negative patterns and can prevent individuals from making positive changes in their lives. It could occur if a person does not understand their origin.

Question 11

Drive derivatives

Answer 11

In Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychology, “drive derivatives” refer to the various forms that our unconscious desires and impulses can take. The drive derivatives are the end products of our drives and desires, and they can manifest in various ways, such as thoughts, feelings, fantasies, and actions. For example, the drive for hunger can manifest as a feeling of discomfort in the stomach, fantasies about food, and the action of eating. Similarly, the sexual drive can manifest as sexual thoughts, feelings of sexual arousal, and sexual behavior

Question 12

Psychopathology

Answer 12

Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatments. It is a subfield of psychology and psychiatry that deals with understanding and explaining abnormal or deviant behavior and mental processes.

Question 13

Evidence-based treatment

Answer 13

Evidence-based treatment in counseling refers to using therapeutic approaches and interventions that have been proven to be effective based on scientific research. These approaches have been shown through research to be helpful in addressing specific mental health problems and improving clients’ outcomes. Evidence-based treatments are based on empirical research, and they are designed to be reliable and replicable in clinical practice. They are often used as a standard for quality mental health care and can help ensure that clients receive the best possible care for their specific mental health concerns.

Question 14

Free association

Answer 14

Free association is a psychotherapeutic technique used in counseling and psychoanalysis where the client is encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions spontaneously without censorship or filtering. The client is allowed to talk freely, allowing their mind to wander without worrying about logical connections or making sense. The therapist observes and listens to the client’s words and looks for patterns and themes that may emerge to gain insight into the client’s unconscious thoughts and emotions. The goal of free association is to help the client gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their experiences, and their emotions, leading to personal growth and change.

Question 15

Objects relations theory

Answer 15

Object relations theory is a psychological theory that focuses on the impact of early relationships and experiences with caregivers on our psychological development and subsequent relationships. It suggests that our relationships with caregivers during early childhood shape our internalized representation of those relationships (called “internal objects”), which in turn shape how we relate to ourselves and others throughout our lives. In counseling, object relations theory is used to explore and understand the dynamics of clients’ past and present relationships, including patterns of attachment, dependency, and separation. By examining these relationships and internalized objects, clients can gain insight into how these dynamics may be impacting their current relationships and behaviors, and work to make changes to improve their well-being.

Question 16

Projective identification

Answer 16

Projective identification is a psychological concept first introduced by the psychoanalyst Melanie Klein. In simple terms, projective identification refers to the unconscious process by which a person projects their own thoughts, feelings, and fears onto another person and then identifies with those projections as if they belong to the other person. For example, a client may project their feelings of anger and frustration onto their therapist during a counseling session. The client may then begin to identify with the therapist as if the therapist is feeling those emotions, leading to a distorted understanding of the therapeutic relationship. Klein believed that projective identification was a defense mechanism used by individuals to manage difficult emotions, particularly in relationships. The concept of projective identification is still widely used in psychoanalytic theory and has been adapted by other therapeutic approaches, such as object relations theory and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Question 17

Internal Objects

Answer 17

In counseling, the term “Internal Objects” refers to the mental representations of other people that individuals develop throughout their lives, which are shaped by their early experiences with caregivers. These internal objects are formed as a result of the emotional interactions that individuals have with their caregivers and other significant people in their lives. Fairbairn was a psychoanalyst who emphasized the importance of understanding how these internal objects affect individuals’ emotional and behavioral patterns. He suggested that individuals create mental representations of their caregivers, which can either be healthy or unhealthy, based on their early experiences. For example, if an individual has had positive experiences with a caregiver, they may develop healthy internal objects that promote positive self-esteem and healthy relationships. Conversely, if an individual has had negative experiences with a caregiver, they may develop unhealthy internal objects that can lead to negative self-esteem and problematic relationships.

Question 18

Classical psychoanalysis

Answer 18

Classical psychoanalysis is a type of psychotherapy that was developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a talking therapy that focuses on bringing the client’s unconscious thoughts and emotions to the surface and examining them in a therapeutic setting.

Question 19

Interpersonal psychoanalysis

Answer 19

Interpersonal psychoanalysis is a psychoanalytic approach that focuses on the importance of interpersonal relationships in the development of psychological problems and the healing process. It is based on the belief that early experiences with caregivers and other significant people in an individual’s life shape their internal object world, which influences their interpersonal relationships and emotional functioning. In interpersonal psychoanalysis, the therapist and the client work collaboratively to explore the client’s interpersonal relationships and how they may be contributing to their current emotional difficulties. The therapist uses a variety of techniques, such as empathy, interpretation, and clarification, to help the client gain insight into their patterns of relating to others and how these patterns may be impacting their emotional well-being. One of the key concepts of interpersonal psychoanalysis is transference. Transference refers to the unconscious transfer of feelings and attitudes from one person to another, which can occur in the therapeutic relationship as well as in other interpersonal relationships. Interpersonal psychoanalysts view transference as an opportunity to gain insight into the client’s internal object world and to work through unresolved emotional conflicts. Interpersonal psychoanalysis also places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship itself. The therapist’s role is not simply to interpret the client’s unconscious material, but to actively engage with the client in a genuine and empathic manner. By fostering a supportive and trusting relationship, the therapist can create a safe space for the client to explore their emotions and interpersonal relationships.

Question 20

Bions concept of containment

Answer 20

Bion’s concept of containment refers to the process in which a caregiver holds, manages, and processes an individual’s emotional experiences, particularly anxiety and distress. It is believed to be essential for an individual’s emotional development, and is seen as a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic relationship. When containment is successful, the individual can develop trust in the caregiver and their ability to manage their emotions, leading to increased emotional well-being and healthier relationships.

Question 21

Intrapsychic conflict

Answer 21

Intrapsychic conflict refers to a psychological conflict that occurs within an individual’s mind when they experience competing or conflicting emotions, beliefs, or desires. It can arise from various sources and can lead to emotional distress as the individual struggles to reconcile their conflicting thoughts and feelings.

Question 22

Intersubjectivity

Answer 22

Intersubjectivity is a concept in psychology that refers to the idea that human beings are inherently social and that our experiences and understanding of the world are shaped by our interactions with others. It recognizes that individuals’ subjective experiences and emotions are influenced by their relationships and interactions with others. In other words, intersubjectivity refers to the process of shared meaning-making that occurs between people. It involves the mutual recognition of another’s subjective experience, the ability to empathize with others, and the co-construction of meaning through social interaction. Intersubjectivity is an important concept in fields such as psychology and psychotherapy, as it emphasizes the importance of relationships and social context in shaping an individual’s psychological well-being. It highlights the need for therapists to engage with their clients in a collaborative and empathic manner, recognizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the process of healing and growth.

Question 23

Core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT)

Answer 23

Core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT)- is a concept in psychodynamic therapy that refers to a recurring pattern of interpersonal relationships that an individual experiences across various contexts and relationships. It is considered “core” because it represents a fundamental and often unconscious aspect of the individual’s emotional experience, which underlies and shapes their relationships.
The CCRT typically includes three main components: a wish or desire, a response from others, and the individual’s emotional response to that response. These three elements are seen as reflecting the individual’s fundamental interpersonal conflicts and underlying beliefs about themselves and others.
For example, a person’s CCRT may be a repeated pattern of seeking approval from others, receiving rejection, and responding with shame or anxiety. By identifying and working with the CCRT in therapy, individuals can gain insight into their patterns of relationships and develop strategies to create more satisfying and fulfilling interpersonal experiences.

Question 24

Therapeutic immediacy

Answer 24

Therapeutic immediacy is a therapeutic technique in which the therapist engages with the client in the “here and now” of the therapeutic session, focusing on the client’s immediate emotional experiences, reactions, and behaviors as they occur in the present moment. The therapist uses their own emotional responses and reactions to the client’s behavior as a way of exploring the underlying psychological issues that the client is experiencing. This approach is believed to create a sense of emotional connection and authenticity between the therapist and client, and to help the client gain insight into their own emotional experiences and patterns of behavior. Therapeutic immediacy can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation or who have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions. It is often used in humanistic and experiential therapy approaches, such as person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy.