Psychodynamic Theory

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The first orientation I will use to diagnose the client’s problem is psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic focuses on the need for the therapist to analyze the client thoughts/behaviors to determine the “real issue”; this was Freud’s original conceptualization of how humans worked. Freud’s topographical theory involves the three domains of awareness, which are the conscious mind, pre-conscious mind, and the unconscious mind. All behaviors motivated by two drives, Eros or life-sustaining drive, and Thanatos, which is the source of aggression and the death instinct. The structural theory involves the biological drives or id, superego or morality principle, and the ego the reality principle. According to Freud, if the ego fails in employing defense …show more content…
Currently, Shannon is living with roommates but rarely sees them because of busy schedules, leaving her alone and wanting connections with others. Furthermore, her group of close friends has graduated leaving her behind completely alone. Shannon is dealing with interpersonal isolation referring to the distance with her friends geographically and socially. Lastly, Shannon is a senior and is not sure what she wants to do with her life after graduation. She is also worried about her future because of her perfectionism habits affecting her ability to complete tasks and since she considers herself “highly judgmental”. Shannon is dealing with the freedom and responsibility of her life. Therefore, she is responsible for the outcome. How Shannon is dealing with isolation and freedom is not fully honest or authentically causing her …show more content…
The client is having issues with dealing with the inevitability of human conditions and move forward in her life. The client is facing both good and bad choices in her life and needs a form of therapy that will foster the good. Furthermore, the therapeutic relationship and seen as a partner will help heal the client’s issues about life than having a strict and analytical therapist. In addition, existential focus on free will and self-actualization is good for the client to know she can change her life and move away from her past. It will be move effective for the client to start living in the present than to dwell in the past. Overall, she needs a close connection with her therapist and an understanding of her world and her values to be better adjusted to her

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