PSYCHODYNAMICS GLOSSARY

Mind

The part of a person that thinks, feels, and reasons, including conscious and unconscious activities.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Focuses on how mental forces, such as motives and emotions, influence behavior.

Psychoanalysis

A method to understand human behavior by uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Free Association

A technique in psychoanalysis where a patient says whatever comes to mind to uncover hidden thoughts.

Cathartic Method

Relieving emotional tension by expressing repressed memories and feelings.

Repression

Unknowingly pushing uncomfortable thoughts or feelings out of awareness.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviors or feelings with logical but not true reasons.

Theory of Mind (ToM)

The ability to understand others’ thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.

Mirror Neurons

Brain cells that activate when we perform or see someone else perform an action.

Hysteria

An outdated term for psychological symptoms caused by emotional conflicts; now called functional neurological symptom disorder.

Hypnosis

A focused state where a person is highly open to suggestions.

Dynamic Unconscious

The part of the mind where hidden thoughts and desires constantly influence behavior.

Self-Deception

Not recognizing your true motives.

Topography

The mind is divided into conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

Compromise Formation

The mind balances conflicting desires and reality.

Case Studies

In-depth studies of individuals.

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Studies that compare treatment groups to evaluate effectiveness.

Naturalistic Studies

Observing therapy in real-world settings.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies to cope with anxiety.

Ego Psychology

A branch of psychoanalysis focusing on how the ego mediates between the id, superego, and reality.

Libido Theory

Freud's concept that sexual energy drives much of human behavior.

Object Relations Theory

A theory focusing on internal representations of self and others based on early relationships.

Transference

Redirecting emotions from past relationships onto the therapist.

Neurosis

Unconscious conflicts manifesting as symptoms.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

Frustration can lead to aggression when goals are blocked.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions.

Identification with the Aggressor

Copying traits of someone who harmed you to feel less helpless.

Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (DMRS)

A tool used to identify, describe, and evaluate 30 specific defense mechanisms.

High Adaptive (Mature) Defenses

Defense mechanisms that help people cope in positive and socially acceptable ways.

Action-Based Defenses

Defenses involving behaviors instead of thoughts to deal with feelings.

Regression

Returning to earlier developmental behaviors in stressful situations.

Interpretation in Therapy

The process of uncovering hidden unconscious thoughts.

Mindfulness

The practice of maintaining a non-judgmental state of complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and the role of the environment in shaping them.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behaviors are modified by their consequences, such as rewards or punishments.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships and bonds.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Relational Frame Theory

A psychological theory of human language and cognition that focuses on the way relationships between stimuli influence behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that suggests people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modeling.

Mind-Body Connection

The relationship between a person's thoughts, emotions, and physical health.

Self-Actualization

The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potential, often considered the ultimate goal of personal development.

Psychoeducation

The process of providing education about mental health to individuals and families to improve understanding and management of mental health issues.

Motivational Interviewing

A client-centered counseling style that encourages behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence.

Existential Psychology

A branch of psychology that considers the human experience and the search for meaning, purpose, and individuality.

Coping Strategies

Techniques that individuals use to manage stress and difficult emotions.

Transpersonal Psychology

A subfield of psychology that integrates spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience with traditional psychological concepts.

Interpersonal Neurobiology

A field of study that explores the connections between mind, brain, and relationships.

Clinical Psychologist

A professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders through various therapeutic techniques.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.

Resilience

The ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity.

Self-Regulation

The ability to control one's emotions and behavior in different situations.

Social Skills

Skills used to communicate and interact with others effectively.

Empathy

The capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on positive aspects of human experience.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

A program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve mental and physical health.

Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

Strategies used in CBT to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect the mind and behavior.

Behavior Modification

The use of operant conditioning techniques to change behavior.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior that individuals develop based on their interactions with caregivers.

Metacognition

Thinking about one's own thinking processes; awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Crisis Intervention

Emergency support services designed to address and resolve a crisis situation.

Therapeutic Alliance

The collaborative relationship between a therapist and a client that is essential for effective therapy.

Biofeedback

A technique that involves using monitoring devices to provide information about physiological processes to gain control over them.

Stress Management Techniques

Strategies used to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change.

Integrative Therapy

An approach that combines elements from different therapeutic approaches based on client needs.

Schema Therapy

A form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns or themes in thinking.

Art Therapy

A therapeutic technique that uses the creative process of making art to improve mental health and emotional well-being.

Mind

The part of a person that thinks, feels, and reasons, including conscious and unconscious activities.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Focuses on how mental forces, such as motives and emotions, influence behavior.

Psychoanalysis

A method to understand human behavior by uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Free Association

A technique in psychoanalysis where a patient says whatever comes to mind to uncover hidden thoughts.

Cathartic Method

Relieving emotional tension by expressing repressed memories and feelings.

Repression

Unknowingly pushing uncomfortable thoughts or feelings out of awareness.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviors or feelings with logical but not true reasons.

Theory of Mind (ToM)

The ability to understand others’ thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.

Mirror Neurons

Brain cells that activate when we perform or see someone else perform an action.

Hysteria

An outdated term for psychological symptoms caused by emotional conflicts; now called functional neurological symptom disorder.

Hypnosis

A focused state where a person is highly open to suggestions.

Dynamic Unconscious

The part of the mind where hidden thoughts and desires constantly influence behavior.

Self-Deception

Not recognizing your true motives.

Topography

The mind is divided into conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

Compromise Formation

The mind balances conflicting desires and reality.

Case Studies

In-depth studies of individuals.

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Studies that compare treatment groups to evaluate effectiveness.

Naturalistic Studies

Observing therapy in real-world settings.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies to cope with anxiety.

Ego Psychology

A branch of psychoanalysis focusing on how the ego mediates between the id, superego, and reality.

Libido Theory

Freud's concept that sexual energy drives much of human behavior.

Object Relations Theory

A theory focusing on internal representations of self and others based on early relationships.

Transference

Redirecting emotions from past relationships onto the therapist.

Neurosis

Unconscious conflicts manifesting as symptoms.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

Frustration can lead to aggression when goals are blocked.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions.

Identification with the Aggressor

Copying traits of someone who harmed you to feel less helpless.