Theories of Counseling: Psychodynamic Counseling PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University. “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:  any public performance or display, including transmission of an image over a network;  preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images;  any rental, lease, or lending of the program.” “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Frame of Reference  It is often presented as a “historical” approach.  It has practical application for today.  Influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, out of which came many other prominent theories and therapies. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Basic Constructs  The associative process allows one to access unconscious material.  Present mental functions can be explained by earlier experiences.  Psychic continuity is a lifelong process.  Mental life has meaning.  Nothing is accidental.  Instinct drives motivation. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Basic Constructs and Concepts  Id, Ego, and Superego: The three parts of the personality.  Ego Defense Mechanisms: Used by the ego to reduce anxiety associated with threatening situations or feelings.  Developmental stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital). “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Basic Constructs and Concepts  The Pleasure Principle: The drive within us to reduce tension and seek pleasure.  Instincts: Organic motivational forces, also called drives. There are two types of instincts: life (libido) and death (thanatos).  Identification: One form of identification is the incorporation of the qualities of another person into one’s own personality. There are four types of identification: Narcissistic, goal-oriented, object-loss, and authority. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Basic Constructs and Concepts  Displacement: The process whereby psychic energy from the instincts can be rechanneled from one object to another.  Transference/countertransference: Transference is when the client’s feelings are directed toward the therapist as though the therapist were the source of the feelings instead of someone from the client’s past. Countertransference is when the therapists feelings are placed on the client.  Free Association: When a client states whatever enters his or her mind without censure. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Theory of Personality  Determinism: Mental events are not accidental or random but are related to earlier events.  Topography: All mental elements are judged according to accessibility to consciousness.  Dynamic Viewpoint: Libidinal and aggressive impulses are biologically based on drives.  Genetic Viewpoint: Conflict, character traits, neurotic symptoms and psychological structures are related to childhood events, wishes and fantasies. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Object Relations Theory  Examines the relationship between and among people.  Examines how the history of interpersonal relationships are transferred from the past to the present through behavior.  Looks at the primary caregiver (this is culturally defined and might be the mother, father, grandparents, extended family or community.) “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling John Bowlby  Stresses the importance of the child developing in relation to context and environment.  Provided theory of attachment.  The child impacts the environment and the environment impacts the child.  Attachment styles: Secure, anxious/resistant, anxious/avoidant.  Securely attached children are able to successfully separate and individuate. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Psychodynamic Worldview  Believes that the unconscious plays a role in both human development and psychological problems.  Client developmental history is an important consideration in understanding the individual.  The people and relationships we have had are Important in our history “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Psychodynamic Worldview  We are unaware of our biological needs, past development of human relationships and cultural influences and how those impact our present behavior.  We constantly act out our developmental history and our unconscious biological drives.  Counseling is aimed at helping the individual discover past influences on their present lives. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Multicultural Issues and Psychodynamic Counseling  It has received a lot of criticism from women and minority groups because it tends to be seen as male and elitist.  Its beginning had sexist concepts such as “penis envy.”  Historically, patriarchy, domination and lengthy treatment hold to oppressive views and patronage by only the wealthy.  Insight is not a highly valued concept in many cultures or lower socioeconomic statuses. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Multicultural Issues and Psychodynamic Counseling  Might be used to help women and minority groups learn how to present their concerns as related to past histories of oppression and domination.  Insight might be used with some clients to fuel new actions and behaviors and the concept of self within a social and cultural context.  Multicultural factors could be used in free association and the insight process. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychodynamic Counseling Limitations  Might be tempting to do too much analysis and not enough working toward change.  Amateurs apply it too readily without serious study.  Transference and countertransference can be hard to deal with without training and awareness. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Resources Ivey, A. E., D’Andrea, M., Ivey, M. B. and Morgan, L. S. (2002). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A multicultural perspective, 5 th ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn & Bacon. James, R. K. & Gilliland, B. E. (2003). Theories and strategies in counseling and psychotherapy, 5 th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Kottler, J. A. (2002). Theories in counseling and therapy: An experiential approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”