Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic Therapies

Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic approaches are based on theories of mental functioning that acknowledge how individuals have perceptions, thoughts and desires they are not consciously aware of. Freud is widely regarded as being the founder of modern psychology, developing the therapy known as psychoanalysis. Patients would lie on a couch and talk about what came into their mind. Deeply buried memories and experiences were often expressed and the opportunity to share these thoughts and feelings seemed to help patients. This therapy is based on the idea that a great deal of an individual's behaviour and thoughts are not within their conscious control. By talking freely about thoughts entering their minds, the patient reveals unconscious needs and memories that will allow them to gain control of their life.

Psychoanalysis is intensive and usually patients attend four or five sessions a week for several years. Psychoanalytic therapy is based upon psychoanalysis but is less intensive, patients only attending between one and three sessions a week. Psychodynamic counselling is based on the same theories, however it may focus on more immediate problems, be more practically based and shorter term than psychoanalytic therapy.

Psychoanalytical therapies are often beneficial for individuals who want to understand more about themselves. They are particularly helpful for those who feel their difficulties have affected them for a long period of time and need relieving of mental and emotional distress. Together, the therapist and the client try to understand the inner life of the client in a deep exploration. Uncovering an individuals unconscious needs and thoughts may help them to understand how past experiences have affected them, and how they can work through these to live a more fulfilling life.

Psychodynamic is the word that links psychotherapy and counselling with psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic counselling is based on empathy, acceptance and understanding. The understanding the counsellor gains from the therapy can enhance the life of the counsellor as well as the client. The process of change develops when the client recognises the power of the unconscious and learns how to control their actions and responses.