Psychodynamic Therapy Case Study

Laura, is a forty-seven year old female, who is seeking therapy. Laura’s doctor recently referred her for treatment of depression. During Laura’s first session, she revealed that she is currently living with her common-law partner, of 15 years. She admitted to having a good relationship with her partner, however, stated that she keeps her distance and has trouble sharing her feelings with him. In addition, Laura acknowledged that she infrequently discloses private woes, and vexations with her partner and her friends, in fear that she will be seen as a “complainer”. Laura expressed that she experiences anxiety in social situations, fearing that she will be seen as “foolish,” or be rejected by those around her. When asked about Laura’s relationship with her parents, she divulged that her mother often thought that Laura was a, “sneaky, bad child”. In addition Laura described her father as cold, and explained he would show discomfort after she was affectionate towards him.
After evaluating Laura’s history, as well as her mental status, it can be concluded that Laura’s past relationships with her parents are negatively influencing her present relationships with her …show more content…
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the client’s unconscious; the part of the mind, one has little or no access to. The process of psychodynamic therapy is the thought pattern that occurs in the unconscious that one is not aware of. The therapist practicing this technique will consider all known information about the client to create a detailed plan of treatment. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is for the client to gain self-awareness. The therapist can offer insight to any transference a client may be experiencing in their life. The therapist can create links from the client’s past to their present, connecting relationships, feelings, and actions the client has represented through his or her