Psychodynamic Approach To Counselling

Introduction.
This Presentation will look at the psychodynamic approach to counselling, focusing on how problems arise and continue. Then how therapy seeks to resolve these problems. We will look at conflict between ID and superego and unresolved childhood problems. Then we will look at defence mechanisms. From there we look at how therapy brings the unconscious into the conscious to resolve conflicts.
Slide 2.
In psychodynamic theory, there is the structure of the personality, which consist of three parts. First we have the id, which is present at birth and is the instinctual basis of personality and gives us the drives to satisfy our biological needs. Gratification of these needs gives us pleasure and conversely failure of gratification leads
As can be seen in the image on the left, the id and most of the superego are largely unconscious, this shows that much of a person’s behaviour is under control of forces that cannot be consciously acknowledged. This is a core assumption of the psychodynamic approach.
Another important implication of this theory is that the id, ego and superego are, potentially, almost constantly in conflict. For example, the id wants its desires to be gratified, while the ego knows that some drives cannot be acted upon and the superego makes the person feel guilty because such behaviour is wrong or immoral. It is this inner turmoil that leads the mind to develop defence mechanisms, for such turmoil is very uncomfortable to live with.
Another source of problems develops during the different stage of development; this is known as fixation. If too little or too much gratification is received, then fixation occurs.
Too much feeding in the oral stage can lead to feelings of frustration with the realities of the world. Too little can teach a child that their needs will only be met if they get angry or
Transference is the unconscious projection of past relationships into the present. Thus, an individual will continue to repeat past relationships and fixations. Transferences can be both positive and negative and will help a therapist to discover past issues. Counter-transference is the response of the therapist. This interplay between the client and therapist is an important and rich source of understanding.
Slide 5.
Defence mechanisms are the egos way of defending itself against emotionally threatening unconscious impulses and wishes.
First we have repression which is the instant removal of any threatening impulse, idea or memory from conscious awareness.
Then there is denial: the blocking of external events and information form awareness.
Projection is the process of assigning a person’s own desires and thoughts onto another.
Next we have displacement, this involves channelling impulses onto a different target then the one they originated with.
Reaction formation is asserting the opposite, to defend against unacceptable