Approaches to counselling - psychodynamic counselling

This week we began to explore different approaches to counselling.


We began with the work of Freud and the development of psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic counselling is derived from psychoanalysis and the work of Freud and subsequent psychoanalytic theorists. We looked at Freud's early theories in class and your class handout includes some of the other notable psychodynamic theorists. You can also find some good resources on the web if you want to know more.

The psychodynamic model that uses psychoanalytic concepts to explain human growth and development, and the nature of psychological problems.
Modern day psychodynamic counsellors work in a broad range of settings, with both long and short term clients. Psychodynamic counselling uses the therapeutic relationship to gain insight into unconscious relationship patterns that evolved in childhood. Memories and other evidence of early relationships are used to make sense of current concerns. The process of change occurs as clients become more aware of the power of the unconscious, including defence mechanisms, instincts and rules for life, to influence behaviour, and hence more able to control their actions and responses.
Skills used by counsellors working psychodynamically:

• Making contracts
• Listening
• Observing
• Clarifying
• Linking
• Interpreting
• Attending to transference
• Looking at dreams
• Giving reflective responses
• Drawing parallels between past and present

Follow up work for your journal?......

• thoughts related to Freud's ideas, what do you like/dislike, why?
• comparisons between Roger's (person-centered) assumptions and Freud's

The work which is being done in your journals is revealing some very good work in regard to developing self-awareness. I hope the work which we did last week looking at mental defence mechanisms and the influences of the past on current behaviour has given some good stimulus for your work this week!