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1. Introduction to psychodynamic therapy
 Psychodynamic therapy involves the
interpretation of mental and emotional
processes rather than focusing on behavior.
 Psychodynamic therapists attempt to help
clients find patterns in their emotions,
thoughts, and beliefs in order to gain insight
into their current self.

2. Psychodynamic therapy has it’s root on
psychodynamic theory.
 Sigmund Freud’s name comes to mind when we hear this
theory.
 He proposed that human mind is composed of three
components:
1. The id, which consists of instinct and forms the basis of the
unconscious mind;
2. The superego, or moral component that houses our beliefs of
right and wrong;
3. The ego, the mediator between the animal instinct of the id
and the enlightened moral thought of the superego

3. Freud also said about the three levels of mind
such as:
 Conscious- is where the current thoughts are
involved,
 The pre-conscious- is where the previous or
stored information's are there which can be
easily brought to mind
 The unconscious- is where those unpleasant
memories which the person don’t want to
think of is being suppressed.

4. Even though psychodynamic approached
developed a lot it still has some resemblance
with Freud’s ideas:
• The unconscious mind is one of the most powerful
drivers of human behavior and emotion;
• No behavior is without cause—all behavior is
determined
• Childhood experiences imposes a significant influence
on thoughts, emotions, and behavior as an adult;
• Important conflicts during childhood development
shape our overall personality as adults

5. Role of psychodynamic approach
 The therapist encourages the client to talk about
the emotions they feel and also helps the client
to understand and identify repeated patterns in
their thoughts, etc.
 The therapist helps the client to talk about their
childhood experiences, that is., their past.
 The therapist observes how the client interacts
within the therapeutic relationship and add their
own insight into the client’s relationship habits to
the discussion.

6. Goals of psychodynamic therapy
The goals of psychodynamic therapy are :
 (1) enhance the client’s self-awareness and
 (2) foster understanding of the client’s
thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in relation to
their past experiences, especially his or her
experiences as a child.

7. Types of psychodynamic therapy
 Brief psychodynamic therapy- This type of therapy occurs over a few
sessions or even just one session. This is usually helpful for clients
who has some specific problem and needs to overcome that. It has
been helpful for situations like:
• Physical abuse case
• Accident (traffic, physical injury, etc.);
• Act of terrorism;
• Acute psychological disturbances (like anxiety or depression);
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Management
• Traumatic family event (discovery of a secret, divorce, etc.).

8.  Psychodynamic Family Therapy- Along with the therapist
the other people who are involved in this are two adults
in a romantic relationships, parents, siblings, etc. This is
usually a relatively longer and looks at the chronic
problems in the family.
 Psychodynamic Art / Music Therapy- This therapy
involves the expression of feelings and emotions through
art or music. Using art or music the therapist or client
forms a better form of understanding and this is helpful
for those who are shy and are finding it difficult to
express their ideas.

9. Tools and techniques in
psychodynamic therapy
 Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM)- Those
therapist who follow psychodynamic therapy uses
this manual in order to diagnose and to treat
clients.
 Rorschach Inkblots- Clients will be shown ink
blot cards where they will interpret those cards
and the therapist is able to understand inner
ongoing thoughts & cognitive structure, and other
psychopathology related with client life.

10.  Freudian Slip- These slips refer to instances when
the client mean to say one thing but accidentally
let “slip” another, specifically when deeper
meaning can be attributed to this slip.
 Free Association- This is where the client is
allowed to talk freely.
 Dream Analysis- Dream analysis is undertaken by
discussing the client’s dreams in detail. The
therapist will guide the client through this
discussion, asking questions and prodding the
client to remember and describe the dream in as
much detail as possible.

11. Psychodynamic therapy is suited for:
• Anxiety
• Panic disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder
• Stress-related physical ailments
• Physical symptoms that lack a physical basis
• Persistent feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Prolonged sadness
• Sexual difficulties

12. Some of the benefits or other goals of
psychodynamic therapy
• Increasing self esteem
• Developing the ability to have more satisfying
relationships
• Increasing confidence in personal abilities
• Increasing understanding of self and others
• Recognition and toleration of a wider range of emotions
• Gradually becoming more able to face issues and
difficulties
• Benefits that endure and increase with time