Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures: Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Therapy

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Questions and Answers

What is a key focus of Psychodynamic Therapy?

Increasing awareness and fostering insights into behavior

In Psychodynamic Therapy, what is the process that involves talk, catharsis, insight, and working through unconscious material?

Insight-oriented therapy

Which approach within Psychodynamic Therapy focuses more on mutual transference and the 'here-and-now' relationship?

Approaches Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Therapy

What is a characteristic feature of Classical/Traditional Psychoanalysis in comparison to other approaches?

Less likely to use 'the couch' Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect distinguishes Psychodynamic Therapy from other therapeutic approaches?

Emphasis on the connection between past experiences and current behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal shared by both Classical/Traditional Psychoanalysis and Approaches Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Therapy?

Aiming for personality change through increased awareness Signup and view all the answers

In psychodynamic therapy, what is the main goal of teaching clients the meanings behind their words and actions?

To increase clients' awareness of ways to change Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychodynamic therapy from classical psychoanalysis in terms of lifestyle changes during therapy?

Discouraging clients from making any major lifestyle changes Signup and view all the answers

How does psychodynamic therapy differ from classical psychoanalysis in terms of session frequency?

Fewer sessions per week in psychodynamic therapy Signup and view all the answers

What approach does psychodynamic therapy take towards the client's dreams, past experiences, and unconscious material?

Focusing on them as important elements Signup and view all the answers

How does a therapist in psychodynamic therapy typically behave towards the client?

Neutral, nonjudgmental, and consistent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for therapists using interpretations only when clients are ready to change?

For therapy to be effective Signup and view all the answers

What is a key premise underlying the therapeutic goals in psychodynamic therapy?

Problems clients present with often originate from early childhood experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychodynamic therapy when it comes to the therapeutic process?

Diving into past experiences to establish self-understanding and modify character. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'blank-screen approach' adopted by therapists in classical psychoanalysis?

Maintaining a non-judgmental, neutral stance and avoiding self-disclosure Signup and view all the answers

What role does transference play in the therapeutic process of psychodynamic therapy?

Transference involves the client transferring feelings, attitudes, and fantasies to the therapist. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of making unconscious material conscious in psychodynamic therapy?

To increase self-understanding and resolve conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Therapeutic Process

Therapists use spoken and unspoken information, gaps, and inconsistencies in the client's story, as well as dreams and free associations, to help clients gain insight into their problems and increase awareness of ways to change.
Interpretations are offered when clients are ready to change, for therapy to be effective.

Classical Psychoanalysis

Long-term, intensive process, involving free association, where clients say whatever comes to mind without self-censorship.
Clients lie on the couch, and the analyst remains nonjudgmental, neutral, and consistent, listening carefully and making interpretations.
Clients are discouraged from making major lifestyle changes during the period of analysis to avoid confusing results.

Psychodynamic Therapy

A less intensive process that discourages major lifestyle changes during therapy.
Fewer sessions per week, with the therapist being supportive, and still considers transference, dreams, the past, and defenses/resistance, and unconscious material.

Therapeutic Goals

Based on three premises:
A significant part of problems originates in the past, particularly early childhood.
Problems are related to relationships with other people.
Feelings, behaviors, and ways of thinking are influenced by the unconscious part that the client is unaware of.
Goals include increasing adaptive functioning, reducing symptoms, resolving conflicts, and strengthening the ego.

Therapist's Role and Function

In classical psychoanalysis, analysts must:
Use a blank-screen approach, being non-judgmental, neutral, and avoiding self-disclosure to foster a transference relationship.
Recognize transference, where clients transfer feelings, attitudes, and fantasies from past relationships onto the analyst.
Help clients gain insight into their unconscious processes and repressed material.

Approaches

Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Therapy:
Has more objectives beyond modifying personality.
Less likely to use the couch.
Has fewer sessions per week.
Frequently uses reassurance, empathy, support, and suggestions.
Emphasizes the 'here-and-now' relationship.
Allows for more freedom for self-disclosure from the therapist.
Focuses on mutual transference and practical concerns (social environment).
Classical/Traditional Psychoanalysis:
Focuses on restructuring personality.
More likely to use the couch.
Has more sessions, with a longer, intensive process.
Focuses on neutrality and objectivity, using a blank-screen approach.
Explores fantasies, repressed desires, or forgotten material.
Aims to increase awareness, foster insights into behavior, and understand the meaning of symptoms.

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