The Basics of Psychodynamic Therapy
Welcome to the KMA Therapy Blog!
Today we will be discussing about "The Basics of Psychodynamic Therapy"!
Let's begin with: "What is Psychodynamic Therapy?" Psychodynamic Therapy helps to finding out about our self-awareness and comprehending the impact of the past on present behaviour.
The psychodynamic approach allows us to examine conflicts that have never been resolved and the symptoms that occur because of dysfunctional relationships from the past.
Psychodynamic theory is what Psychodynamic Therapy relies on, however, it is less rigorous than the classic psychoanalysis procedure of 3-4 sessions a week. Therapists who use Psychodynamic Therapy use strict boundaries when it comes to punctuality for sessions, creating a plan for therapy, ending sessions and taking breaks from sessions. Problems in therapy are usually connected to transference and linked back to conflicts that were previously experienced in our lives.
The Psychodynamic theory explains that everyone has an unconscious side.
This side holds and conceals, agonizing and sensitive feelings, memories and experiences that are too hard for the person to be consciously aware of. Defense mechanism's like repression, rationalization and denial are created when people try to keep the unconscious side in the dark. The Psychodynamic approach says that the defenses that are created cause more harm than benefits and that when the problem is faced, the defense mechanisms decrease or no longer present.
The psychological origin of emotional hardship is the focus of this type of therapy. Psychodynamic therapy's trademarks are self-analysis and self-observations, and the use of the relationship between the therapist and the client. This is the first step into the problem of the relationship patterns in the client's life. The goal of Psychodynamic Therapy is not only to ease the symptoms but to help individuals learn how to lead their lives in a healthier way.
The Psychodynamic Therapy relationship looks on 'transference'.
Transference is the development that happens in therapy when the client replies to the counsellor as if to a apparent other individual from the client's past. Research has shown that the experience of Psychodynamic therapy will majorly depend on the connection and personalities between the client and the therapist, despite of the theoretical orientation of the therapist. The extent of the issues and the factors unique to the client are what determines the counselling. Usually, client's know if they have successfully completed their counselling because generally the client would have overcame major issue(s) in their life. Many notice that they have a new vitality, interest, enthusiasm and confidence about other features in their life.
It is very important to obtain the strength with your counsellor or therapist in order to end with a successful counselling or therapy.
During the duration of the time for your treatment, progression will work faster if you meet your therapist or counsellor for regularly sessions rather than sessions that are far-spread out. Weekly sessions are known to be the best for many clients but some feel that once every two weeks are good while other clients feels that twice every week is good. The amount of sessions and the duration for the sessions will be determined by the issue, the client, and the therapist/counsellor.
Psychodynamic Therapy can treat issues including but not limited to:
- Depression
- Relationship Counselling
- Family Problems
- Prior Abuse or Trauma
- Anxiety
- Anger Management
- Bereavement/Grief/Loss
- Sex Issues
