Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy
MeSHD064889

Psychodynamic psychotherapy (or psychodynamic therapy) and psychoanalytic psychotherapy (or psychoanalytic therapy) are two categories of psychological therapies.[1][2][3][4] Their main purpose is revealing the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension, which is inner conflict within the mind that was created in a situation of extreme stress or emotional hardship, often in the state of distress.[5] The terms "psychoanalytic psychotherapy" and "psychodynamic psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably, but a distinction can be made in practice: though psychodynamic psychotherapy largely relies on psychoanalytical theory, it employs substantially shorter treatment periods than traditional psychoanalytical therapies.[6] Psychodynamic psychotherapy is evidence-based; the effectiveness of psychoanalysis and its relationship to facts is disputed.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy relies on the interpersonal relationship between client and therapist more than other forms of depth psychology. They must have a strong relationship built heavily on trust. In terms of approach, this form of therapy uses psychoanalysis adapted to a less intensive style of working, usually at a frequency of once or twice per week, often the same frequency as many other therapies. The techniques draw on the theories of Freud, Klein, and the object relations movement, e.g., Winnicott, Guntrip, and Bion. Some psychodynamic therapists also draw on Jung, Lacan, or Langs. It is a focus that has been used in individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family therapy, and to understand and work with institutional and organizational contexts.[7] In psychiatry, it has been used for adjustment disorders as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but more often for personality-related disorders.[8][9]

  1. ^ Franz A, French T (1980). 'Psychoanalytic therapy: principles and application'. Vol. 1946. Lincoln: University of Nebraska press. p. 353. ISBN 9780803259034.
  2. ^ Strupp H, Butler F, Rosser L (1988). "Training in psychodynamic therapy". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 56 (5): 689–695. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.56.5.689. PMID 3057007.
  3. ^ Psychoanalytic Council. (2022)
  4. ^ American Psychoanalytical Association (2022). Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
  5. ^ Psychodynamic psychotherapy - guidetopsychology.com
  6. ^ American Psychoanalytical Association (2022).vs. psychodynamic therapy
  7. ^ Granström, Kjell (2006). Dynamik i arbetsgrupper (2 ed.). Lund: Studentlitteratur. p. 197. ISBN 9789144008523.
  8. ^ Agronin, Marc E.; Maletta, Gabe J. (2006). Principles and Practice of Geriatric Psychiatry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 423. ISBN 9780781748100.
  9. ^ Corales, Thomas A. (2005). Trends in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research. Nova Publishers. p. 6. ISBN 9781594541353.