The Application of Psychodynamic Theory Through Dream Analysis Essay Example
INTRODUCTION
Psychodynamic Theory is based on the premise that human behaviour and relationships are shaped by conscious and unconscious influences and include factors such as internal processes, personality, motivation and drives, and the importance of childhood experiences.
The essay will discuss and demonstrate the application of dream analysis as a counselling approach and the personal and technical challenges associated with using the psychoanalytic technique of ‘free association’. This will be done by analysing my own personal dream from a psychoanalytical perspective
I will identify and describe two of the techniques used in psychoanalytical therapy: 1. Psychoanalytical Technique of Free Association
2. Dream analysis as a counselling method which is a critical part of the psychoanalytical therapeutic process.
FREE ASSOCIATION
One of the key tenets of psychoanalysis, which provides the underlying rationale for free association, is the principle of psychic determinism, defined by Angel (1959) as “the application of the causality principle to psychic occurrences”. Nothing happens by chance or in an accidental, arbitrary way. Each psychological event is determined by events which preceded it, and occurrences in our psychological lives that appear to be random only appear so
In free association, the client is invited to relate whatever comes into their minds and not to censor their thoughts. This technique is intended to help the client learn more about what he or she thinks and feels, in an atmosphere of non-judgmental curiosity and acceptance. Over time, the counsellor will draw associations between the many trains of uncensored speech of the client. This can lead the client to insight into their unconscious thoughts or repressed memories, and the accomplishment of their ultimate goal of "freedom from the oppression of the unconscious" (Trull, 2005).
According to Frosh (1997), free association is Freud’s psychoanalytical fundamental
Psychodynamic Theory is based on the premise that human behaviour and relationships are shaped by conscious and unconscious influences and include factors such as internal processes, personality, motivation and drives, and the importance of childhood experiences.
The essay will discuss and demonstrate the application of dream analysis as a counselling approach and the personal and technical challenges associated with using the psychoanalytic technique of ‘free association’. This will be done by analysing my own personal dream from a psychoanalytical perspective
I will identify and describe two of the techniques used in psychoanalytical therapy: 1. Psychoanalytical Technique of Free Association
2. Dream analysis as a counselling method which is a critical part of the psychoanalytical therapeutic process.
FREE ASSOCIATION
One of the key tenets of psychoanalysis, which provides the underlying rationale for free association, is the principle of psychic determinism, defined by Angel (1959) as “the application of the causality principle to psychic occurrences”. Nothing happens by chance or in an accidental, arbitrary way. Each psychological event is determined by events which preceded it, and occurrences in our psychological lives that appear to be random only appear so
In free association, the client is invited to relate whatever comes into their minds and not to censor their thoughts. This technique is intended to help the client learn more about what he or she thinks and feels, in an atmosphere of non-judgmental curiosity and acceptance. Over time, the counsellor will draw associations between the many trains of uncensored speech of the client. This can lead the client to insight into their unconscious thoughts or repressed memories, and the accomplishment of their ultimate goal of "freedom from the oppression of the unconscious" (Trull, 2005).
According to Frosh (1997), free association is Freud’s psychoanalytical fundamental