The Evolution of the Psychodynamic Approach

Psychodynamic Therapy

A therapeutic approach that has evolved from classical Freudian psychoanalysis to include a more relational model of understanding human psychology.

Relational Model

A framework in psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly between the therapist and client, in the process of healing.

Two-Person Psychology

An evolved perspective in psychodynamic therapy focusing on the interactions between the therapist and client rather than just the internal conflicts of the individual.

Pre-Oedipal Period

The developmental stage that focuses on early attachment experiences between mother and child, particularly in the first year of life.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to manage conflicts between the id and superego, varying from immature to mature forms.

Thanatos

Freud's original concept of the death instinct, which contemporary theorists have largely rejected in favor of understanding aggression as a defensive response.

Object Relations Theory

A psychodynamic theory that emphasizes the importance of relationships with significant others in shaping personality and psychological health.

Self Psychology

A branch of psychoanalysis that focuses on the development of the self and the importance of empathic caregiving.

Ego Psychology

A school of thought in psychodynamic therapy that emphasizes the role of the ego in managing demands from the id, superego, and reality.

Transference

The unconscious redirection of feelings from one person to another, often from the patient to the therapist.

Countertransference

The emotional reactions of the therapist in response to the patient's transference, which can provide insight into the client's unconscious issues.

Neurosis

Psychological disturbances arising from inner conflicts, often characterized by anxiety, depression, and maladaptive defense mechanisms.

Repression

A defense mechanism where unwanted memories and impulses are kept out of conscious awareness.

Working Through

The therapeutic process of helping clients integrate and make sense of interpretations over time.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans, particularly focusing on early bonds between caregivers and children.

Holding Environment

A supportive space created by the caregiver that allows the child to feel safe in their explorations and mistakes.

Good Enough Mother

A concept by Winnicott representing a caregiver who meets the child's needs adequately without being perfect.

Projective Identification

A process through which an individual projects unwanted parts of the self onto another person, often used to manage emotional experiences.

Maternal Reverie

The capacity of a mother to reflect on and understand the emotional states of her infant, facilitating healthy development.

Repetition Compulsion

A psychological phenomenon where individuals repeat past distressing experiences, often unconsciously, to seek resolution.

Levels of Functioning

An assessment framework in psychodynamic therapy that categorizes clients based on their psychological stability and ego strength.

Neurotic Level

A level of functioning characterized by a realistic perception of life and intact ego, allowing for deeper therapeutic engagement.

Borderline Level

A functioning level marked by instability, fragile self-identity, and potential issues with object constancy.

Psychotic Level

A functioning level where reality testing is impaired, leading to challenges in distinguishing self from others.

Interpretation

Verbal interventions aimed at fostering insight by transforming unconscious content into conscious understanding.

Genetic Interpretation

An interpretation that connects a patient's current behavior to past developmental experiences.

Transference Interpretation

Refers to a therapist's interpretation of the patient's feelings towards them as reflective of their past experiences.

Talk Therapy

A therapeutic modality primarily focused on verbal communication as a means for patients to express and explore their thoughts and feelings.

Therapeutic Relationship

The connection between therapist and client, recognized as a key component of the healing process in psychotherapy.

Critiques of Psychodynamic Therapy

Challenges to the validity, scientific basis, and applicability of psychodynamic methodologies in modern psychology.

Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT)

A research tool designed to objectively measure transference patterns based on early relationship experiences.

Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)

A method for assessing adult attachment styles based on individuals' narratives about their childhood.

Determinism

The assumption that behaviors are fully determined by unconscious drives and past experiences, a stance criticized for not accounting for personal agency.

Ego Strength

The capacity of the ego to maintain a balanced and realistic perspective, crucial for psychological stability.

Psychosexual Stages

Freud's model outlining developmental stages (oral, anal, phallic, latent, genital) critical for understanding personality development.

Empathic Caregiving

A caregiving style characterized by attunement to a child’s emotional needs, forming the basis for healthy psychological growth.

False Self

A defense against failures in early caregiving, resulting in an inauthentic personal identity.

Dream Interpretation

A technique in psychoanalysis used to uncover subconscious thoughts and desires, viewed as a pathway to understanding the unconscious.

Here-and-Now Interpretation

Interpretations focused on the current relationship dynamics between therapist and client, rather than the client's past.

Therapist's Frame

The structure and boundaries maintained by therapists to provide stability and safety in the therapeutic relationship.

Behavioral Motivation

The complex factors driving behavior, including unconscious impulses and learned experiences from past relationships.