Session 6

Question 1

describe conscious, preconscious and unconscious thoughts

Answer 1

conscious: ideas, thoughts & feelings which we are aware of

pre-conscious: material that can be easily recalled

unconscious: well below surface of awareness

Question 2

what is the ID?

Answer 2

aspect of ourselves driven by biological, primitive needs

unconscious urges and desires that seek instant gratification, regardless of destructive consequences

Question 3

what is the superego?

Answer 3

ego ideal

moral standards of right and wrong

Question 4

what is the ego?

Answer 4

rational, reality orientated part of personality
balances other two to prevent conflicts
employs defence mechanisms

Question 5

what are core features of psychodynamic therapies?

Answer 5

• address unconscious conflicts and resolve painful past experiences (early childhood)
• neutral therapist so transference can occur
• exploration of maladaptive personal defences
• intensive therapy

Question 6

defence mechanism: projection

Answer 6

projecting the conflict outside the self into others who are then seen as persecutors

Question 7

defence mechanism: sublimation

Answer 7

attaining the gratification in an acceptable way

Question 8

defence mechanism: reaction formation

Answer 8

doing the opposite of the initial desire

Question 9

defence mechanism: splitting

Answer 9

divide experiences and people into good & bad

Question 10

defence mechanism: intellectualisation

Answer 10

reasoning use to block conformation with unconscious conflict & associated stress
remove self emotionally from event

Question 11

defence mechanism: suppression/repression

Answer 11

consciously postponing the conflict for later

Question 12

defence mechanism: acting out

Answer 12

discharging anxiety as an outburst

Question 13

defence mechanism: introjection

Answer 13

acquiring qualities of others as part of our self

Question 14

defence mechanism: displacement

Answer 14

redirection of feelings to another person or thing

Question 15

defence mechanism: turning against self

Answer 15

unacceptable aggression towards others is turned indirectly onto self

Question 16

defence mechanism: rationalisation

Answer 16

explaining an unacceptable behaviour or feeling in a rational or logical manner, avoiding the true reasons for the behaviour

Question 17

What is Malan’s triangle of conflict?

Answer 17

defence
anxiety
hidden feeling/impulse

Question 18

What is Malan’s triangle of persons?

Answer 18

others
therapist
parent

Question 19

How does the psychodynamic approach view depression?

Answer 19

Perceived loss of a love object
Person in mourning
role of early attachments very important

Question 20

What is the rank theory?

Answer 20

• Depression is an adaptive response to losing status (rank) and losing confidence in the ability to regain it
• High ideals by superego cannot be achieved
• change behaviour to promote survival for someone who has been defeated
• naturally selected to allow us to accept a subordinate role
• prevent the loser from suffering further defeat in a conflict
• ego submissive and slow

Question 21

What is the therapeutic alliance?

Answer 21

relationship between therapist & client
attentively listens to the conscious & unconscious communications & makes interpretations in an attempt to bring the unconscious into awareness

Question 22

What is transference?

Answer 22

feelings and attitudes attached to past relationships are transferred into therapist
allows past to be experiences alive in the present and safely explored

Question 23

What is countertransference?

Answer 23

feelings and attitudes in the therapists in response to the patients
therapist can see what the patient typically evokes in others

Question 24

What is free association?

Answer 24

relate whatever comes into their minds during the analytic session, and not to censor their thoughts
suspend judgement and report what comes into mind