In the article “The Future of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy,” Cortina (2010) reviews past and current issues concerning psychodynamic theory in relation to therapy practices. He describes how and why a once widely accepted and common method of psychological treatment has since suffered a swift weakening in popularity and reliability. Cortina (2010) also speaks about the basic concepts that underlie the psychodynamic theory so that possible interpretations can be drawn as to why this theory has succumbed to such criticism over the decades. Although, the psychodynamic theory does not have a good reputation, Cortina (2010) examines past and current research on how psychodynamic theory is making a comeback, and it’s now supposed effectiveness.
The Deterioration of Psychodynamic Theory According to Cortina (2010), one of the tell-tale signs that psychodynamic theory has taken a dive in the world of psychotherapy is because of the decline in related book sales. Not even a decade ago, the bestselling psychoanalytical books were sold by the tens of thousands. Over the past few years, less than 500 have been taken off the shelves and found their way into the hands of appreciating scholars. A proposed reason for this is that Freud’s credibility has been lost. Although there was not adequate scientific evidence to back up his theories back in the day, a lot has changed in the past century. Unfortunately, Freud’s theory has become nothing more than a “postmodern-deconstructive philosophy” (Cortina, 2010, The Decline of Psychoanalysis, para. 4).
Concepts of Psychoanalytical Theory Shendler (2010), as referenced by Cortina (2010), list some basic concepts of the psychoanalytical theory. People act according to unconscious processes and impulses. When those processes become conflicted with one another, trouble ensues. People also respond to emotional processes. Recognizing and accepting conscious and unconscious emotions are essential to