Psychodynamic psychotherapy, also known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, is enjoying a renaissance. Founded by Sigmund Freud and crew, psychoanalysis was the dominant form of therapy throughout the 20th century. Its popularity waned over the years as new therapies were developed.
But now, younger therapists as well as academics (critical theory, literature departments) are rediscovering the richness and utility of psychoanalytic thinking. Research is catching up to show that it works very well and has enduring benefit that outlasts the period of therapy because it can alter one’s developmental path in life and help to change personality traits and the way an individual approaches and stewards their own life.
What Is Psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalytic therapy is, at heart, simple. Per Freud’s “Fundamental Rule”, the patient (“analysand”) tries to say whatever comes to mind, without editing it—this is called “free association.” The therapist, or analyst, for their part, listens without filtering the data, without imposing a frame for interpretation, trusting unconscious processes and discipline from training and one’s own analysis and supervision.
Therapy doesn’t happen overnight for either party—it takes practice for the patient and years of practice and training for the psychoanalyst—but it creates a nonjudgmental, mindful setting for therapeutic inquiry in which developmental processes can flourish.1 The term “psychodynamic” refers to unconscious psychological and emotional processes to become aware of and make use of in the service of personal growth and well-being.
Over time, given the simplicity of the framework, patterns emerge in the exchange between analyst and analysand that reflect experiences outside of therapy, past and present, to change the future by increasing awareness and options. This is called “transference.” Psychodynamic therapy, though there are variations, essentially makes use of the transference phenomenon to catalyze developmental processes.
As problems from outside of therapy get pulled into the therapy, they can be addressed with a spirit of curiosity, self-exploration, and support. The process puts the brakes on destructive patterns outside of therapy while the work is progressing.
While the terms “psychodynamic” and “psychoanalytic” overlap, psychodynamic therapy tends to be less frequent but usually weekly, traditional psychoanalysis a few to several times per week. Psychoanalytic therapy is perhaps the broadest framework for therapy, covering pretty much everything important for personal development and comprehensive therapy (Shedler, 2010). A focus on the relationship with one’s body and physical health is an important element not explicit in the following list, with the recognition that in many cases, clinically-significant traumatic experiences may require extra care.
7 Building Blocks of Psychodynamic Therapy
- Focus on affect and expression of emotion.
- Exploration of attempts to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings.
- Identification of recurring themes and patterns
- Discussion of past experience (developmental focus).
- Focus on interpersonal relations.
- Focus on the therapy relationship.
- Exploration of fantasy life.
The Pros and Cons of Open-Ended Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is organic and open-ended, in some ways demanding because there is little direction and guidance from the therapist.2 The pronounced personalization can be a pro and a con, depending on what is needed and by whom.
Psychodynamic therapy generally requires individuals to be inclined to self-reflection, interested in working on meaning, and able to use psychological understanding to see strengths and opportunities in oneself. As a result, many other forms of therapy have been developed that provide more structure and direction3 and have a more circumscribed focus, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, among others. Psychodynamic therapy does not typically press people to make changes, which can be helpful for some and problematic for others—and always worth exploring.
Defining Mental Health
Measuring the outcome of therapy is also challenging, but psychologists Shedler and Weston developed a scale (2007) based on careful examination of therapeutic processes, reflecting what people need in various areas of personal development and how therapists and patients understand successful psychotherapeutic experiences. Based on years of research and development of a consistent rating system, the Shedler-Weston Assessment Procedure (the SWAP-200), identifies 23 elements defining mental health.
Of course, not all the factors are present for all people, and they aren’t intended to set unrealistic expectations. Nevertheless, the majority of the factors will resonate with many readers, though not all elements will be a fit for everyone. A mentally healthy person:
- Is able to use their talents, abilities, and energy effectively and productively.
- Enjoys challenges; takes pleasure in accomplishing things.
- Is capable of sustaining a meaningful love relationship characterized by genuine intimacy and caring.
- Finds meaning in belonging and contributing to a larger community (e.g., organization, church, neighborhood).
- Is able to find meaning and fulfillment in guiding, mentoring, or nurturing others.
- Is empathic; sensitive, and responsive to other people’s needs and feelings.
- Is able to assert themself effectively and appropriately when necessary.
- Appreciates and responds to humor.
- Is capable of hearing information that is emotionally threatening (i.e., that challenges cherished beliefs, perceptions, and self-perceptions) and can use and benefit from it.
- Appears to have come to terms with painful experiences from the past; has found meaning in and grown from such experiences.
- Is articulate; can express self well in words.
- Has an active and satisfying sex life.
Read the rest of the original article on Psychology Today.
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