psychoanalytic therapy

Psychoanalysis (1)

Involves exploring the unconscious mind through dialogue

(2)

Patient discusses their thoughts, feelings & experiences to uncover how unresolved conflicts from the past may be influencing their present behaviour & causing problems

Free association

Patients are encouraged to relax & speak freely about whatever comes to mind. Allows unconscious thoughts & feelings to surface

Word association

Therapist calls out words & patient responds with first word that comes to mind - can reveal hidden emotional connections & conflicts

Dream analysis

Patients recount their dreams - therapist interprets it to uncover unconscious desires & fears

Projective tests

Present ambiguous stimuli to patients eg Roschach Inkblot Test - describe what they see in abstract inkblots. Responses analysed to reveal unconscious thoughts & feelings

Transference

the redirection of feelings and desires, especially of those buried in the unconscious from childhood toward new objects or people

Therapeutic process (1)

Therapist gains access to patients unconscious mind & helps the individual understand the emotional roots of their problems

(2)

Patient works through these conflicts, often experiencing emotional release & greater physical resiliance

Play therapy (1)

Used as a key method of communication as children often struggle to express complex emotions verbally

(2)

Used to help children express feelings & conflicts that may be hidden from their conscious awareness like adults use free association & dream analysis to uncover unconscious thoughts

Therapists provide:

-dolls & action figures

-toy cars & houses

-building blocks

-drawing & art supplies

Allows children to act out scenes, stories & emotions, often without realising

Strengths (1)

Well established therapies that are still popular & widely used with lots of published case studies to help therapists in their own development

(2)

Clients can express their feelings & conflicts in a safe environment

(3)

Can be applied to dealing with a range of behaviours eg depression, aggression & EDs

(4)

Recognise that negative early experiences can negatively affect someone's ability to cope with life

(5)

Can be applied to children & adults

Weaknesses (1)

Tends to be expensive - one to one approach & ca take many sessions before progress is evident

(2)

Uncovered childhood conflicts may be distressing for events - may feel worse while undergoing therapy

(3)

Memories may be inaccurate- referred to as 'false memories'

(4)

Analysts interpretations eg of dreams or of what's said during free association may be inaccurate

(5)

May be difficult to establish a therapeutic relationship as some clients may be very resistant to exposing their thoughts

(6)

Has been criticised as being unscientific eg no evidence for the existence of the unconscious