Page 1 - LN 2_Therapuetic Approaches

Class - XII

Psychology

Chapter 5: Therapeutic Approaches

MODULE - 2

(Topics: Psychodynamic Therapy)

Short Note

▪ The psychodynamic therapy pioneered by Sigmund Freud.
▪ It is the oldest form of psychotherapy.
▪ The psychodynamic therapy has conceptualised
~ the structure of the psyche,
~ dynamics between different components of the psyche,
~ the source of psychological distress.
▪ Methods of Eliciting the Nature of Intrapsychic Conflict-
➢ The first step in the treatment is to elicit this intrapsychic conflict which is the
cause of all psychological disorders according to this approach.
➢ Psychoanalysis has invented free association and dream interpretation as two
important methods for eliciting the intrapsychic conflicts.
➢ Free association method:
a) It is the main method for understanding the client’s problems.
b) The method of encouraging the client to freely associate one thought with
another is called the method of free association.
c) The censoring superego and the watchful ego are kept in abeyance as the
client speaks whatever comes to mind in an atmosphere that is relaxed and
trusting.
d) This free uncensored verbal narrative of the client is a window into the
client’s unconscious to which the therapist gains access.
➢ Dream Interpretation:
a) Psychoanalysts look upon dreams as symbols of the unfulfilled desires
present in the unconscious.
b) The images of the dreams are symbols which signify intrapsychic forces.
c) Dreams use symbols because they are indirect expressions and hence would
not alert the ego.
d) The client is asked to write down her/his dreams upon waking up.
e) These symbols are interpreted according to an accepted convention of
translation as the indicators of unfulfilled desires and conflicts.