Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Flashcards
What are the overarching aims of psychodynamic therapy?
Achieve insight, making meaning and transform experiences of self in the world.
Discuss how Freud developed psychotherapy.
Was originally interested on the value of cocaine.
Noticed there is no explanation for why some patients were experiencing certain things and others don’t.
Noted HYSTERIA and that symptoms originated from some kind of sexual experience that has been repressed.
Resulted in the development of Free association.
What is meant by Free Association?
Allowing patients to talk freely and let the unconscious come into consciousness.
What is the topographic model of the mind?
Broken into
1) The conscious - what is immediately available
2) The preconscious - working memory
3) Unconscious - unavailable to consciousness
What is repression and supression?
Repression - the unconscious effort to forget. This can lead to a Freudian Slip.
Suppression - the conscious effort to forget something and compartmentalise.
Are defences pathological?
No, they are protective factors that are unconscious.
What is a structural model of the mind?
Composed of three parts
1) Superego - morality principle
2) Id - pleasure principle
3) Ego - reality principle
What does the drive theory state?
We are driven by the libido.
Sexual drive motivates –> about vitality and growth
The death force –> the need to be hostile
Ego maintains the fights between libido and aggression
What are the features of psychodynamic therapy.
Focus on Affect
Exploring Defences
Identifying patterns
Influence of the past on the present
Focus on relationships
Centrality of therapeutic relationship
Exploring symbols and fantasy life
Give an example of defences
Denial
Displacement
Projection
Sublimation
Regression
Intellectualisation
Reaction formation
What are some features of psychodynamic therapies?
Problems are usually a result of the unmet relational needs or relational injuries.
Repeated responses leads to development of defences.
These defences become incorporated into patterns of relating evidence in current relationships.
There is a focus on delivering emotional insight and corrective emotional experiences.
What are the goals of psychodynamic therpies?
Transform the patients experience of themselves in the context of their relationships.
Improve psychological capacities and functioning.
Focus on what is wrong and not just symptoms disappearing.
Establish equilibrium to create a stable sense of self in the world.
How is transference used in psychodynamic therapy?
Transference is the projection of patterns in ones relationships onto the therapist.
It is an internalised thing.
This can be used to observe childhood reenactments to discuss relationships.
What are free associations as a therapy tool?
Person talks freely and openly.
Gives the client agency of the session.
Facilitates the truth slipping out.
How are dreams and fantasies used as a therapy tool?
Dreams are a road to the unconscious. It allows for an analysis of the deeper levels of personality beyond defences.
Events symbolically represent people, impulses and desires.
