1. Despite the broadening of psychodynamic theorizations, there are five major propositions that psychodynamic psychotherapists generally follow. The most central of these five is the unconscious; a postulation that is more developed and specific than any other postulation that can be found in current cognitive or social psychology (Westen, 1998; Bargh & Morsella, 2008). Primarily pursued by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) and then Johann Freidrich Herbart (1776-1841), the theory of unconscious was expanded on and refined by Sigmund Freud in his development of psychiatric literature (Thornton, n.d; Dumont, 2011). Freud hypothesized that treatment of symptoms and problem behaviour is best achieved by understanding the state of mind that was outside of awareness. As such, this particular postulate implies “that people can behave in ways or develop symptoms that are inexplicable to themselves” (Westen, 1998, p. 334).
Through the use of certain techniques such as free association, therapeutic transference and interpretation, psychodynamic counsellors can encourage their clients to reflect on and explore unresolved issues and/or conflict masked by their unconscious that shape their behaviour and moods (Counselling Directory, 2017). For example, when faced with a client …show more content…
As Mosak and Maniacci (2011) note, early recollections occur “in the period before continuous memory and may be inaccurate or a complete fiction” (p.86). Adlerians differentiate between single events and group events (labelling them as early recollections and reports, respectively), and classify them differently in the therapeutic assessment process. Early recollections specifically are considered to be a projective technique that client’s use to selectively recollect memories that are in agreement with their lifestyles. Regardless of their factual or historical validity, early recollections can help counsellors understand a client’s interpretation of their life story (Mosak & Maniacci,
Through the use of certain techniques such as free association, therapeutic transference and interpretation, psychodynamic counsellors can encourage their clients to reflect on and explore unresolved issues and/or conflict masked by their unconscious that shape their behaviour and moods (Counselling Directory, 2017). For example, when faced with a client …show more content…
As Mosak and Maniacci (2011) note, early recollections occur “in the period before continuous memory and may be inaccurate or a complete fiction” (p.86). Adlerians differentiate between single events and group events (labelling them as early recollections and reports, respectively), and classify them differently in the therapeutic assessment process. Early recollections specifically are considered to be a projective technique that client’s use to selectively recollect memories that are in agreement with their lifestyles. Regardless of their factual or historical validity, early recollections can help counsellors understand a client’s interpretation of their life story (Mosak & Maniacci,