Psychodynamic Psychology

Psychodynamics, also known as psychodynamic psychology, in its broadest sense, is an approach to psychology that emphasizes systematic study of the psychological forces that underlie human behaviour, feelings, and emotions and how they might relate to early experience. It is especially interested in the dynamic relations between conscious motivation and unconscious motivation.

In general, psychodynamic psychology is the study of the interrelationship of various parts of the mind, personality, or psyche as they relate to mental, emotional, or motivational forces especially at the unconscious level. The mental forces involved in psychodynamics are often divided into two parts: (a) the interaction of the emotional and motivational forces that affect behaviour and mental states, especially on a subconscious level; (b) inner forces affecting behaviour: the study of the emotional and motivational forces that affect behaviour and states of mind.

Sometimes referred to as psychodynamic psychotherapy, this method of treatment is based on the theory and technique of psychoanalysis. The main difference is that the patient and the analyst are less likely to meet, sometimes only once a week. As with psychoanalysis, the frequency of sessions can be tailored to the needs of the patient. Another difference is that the patient is usually seated against the therapist instead of using a “couch”, where the analyst is beyond the analyst’s view.

In addition to these differences, psychoanalytic psychotherapy is very similar to the analysis in the use of free association, the importance placed on the unconscious, and the central role of patient-therapist relationships.

Often, its goals are narrower and aimed at resolving a particular type of problem (eg, difficulties in relationships or at work), or dealing with depression or anxiety disorders. Sometimes, both participants in psychoanalytic psychotherapy decide at a later stage of treatment to deepen their work and to undertake a greater frequency of psychoanalysis.