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In addition to fixations, two other major strands of
psychodynamic theory are
"defence mechanisms" and "association".
We become associated with objects in a number of ways.
This is where a link
in the subconscious is created between an event or trauma, and a thing,
place or
person. We then get a subconsciously generated emotional reaction,
often very
strongly. A simple example might be a soldier who has post traumatic
stress from
battle fatigue being stressed by loud noises in civilian life.
Defence Mechanisms
Defence mechanisms are learnt responses and tactics,
governed automatically
by the subconscious, that were created to defend the subject from harm
or pain.
At the time these served a purpose, to protect. Later on however these
become
negative since they can be inappropriate in later life, or different
circumstances.
There are a number of identified defence mechanisms.
Some of the more well
known are:
Repression: Blanking a painful memory
Projection: Seeing your own fault in someone
else rather than yourself.
Reaction formation: Outwardly being the
opposite to your true nature,
e.g. homophobic gay person.
Displacement: Taking something out on the
wrong person, "often an
easy target".
Jung added to the psychodynamic field with his
theories that often clashed
somewhat with Freud. He placed far more emphasis on deeper human nature
such as
the creative, and spiritual drives. He disagreed with Freud's Id, Ego
and
Superego and created his own model of:
Ego: Again the manager and mitigator
Personal unconscious: where repressed
memories and problems like defence
mechanisms are stored.
Collective Unconscious: A human wide
collective and instinctive pool of
knowledge and cumulative experience. The source of instinct.
Jung placed much emphasis on archetypes, symbolic
representations we have for many basic things in life. In particular
the Anima (female representation), Animus (male), Shadow (our darker
side) and Self (our desire for harmony). These he believed represent
our instinctive beliefs about topics, and thus our instinctive
reactions. For example if we have a negative Anima image, for example
an image of women as whores, we might therefore instinctively act
negatively towards them.
Jung believed that by middle age we are able to come
to terms with at least the above main archetypes, plus the Persona
(face we show to the world based on what is acceptable) and combine
them into a more balanced person. Doing this prevents clashes between
the archetypes and makes for a well rounded person. This is not
possible before middle age, and in "hurt" people would require therapy.
Jung also created the terms of personality type
introvert and extrovert, referring to "quiet and thoughtful" or
"outgoing and social" people. Our balance and personality type is not
static and changes in our lives, but problems are created when we feel
forced to live as one, when we are actually the other.
What is involved and who
to choose in Edinburgh?
Most psychodynamic theory uses a similar range of
techniques. As well as typical use of counselling techniques, free
association, challenging, encouragement, teaching and change methods
are all used. In Jungian theory interpretation of dreams and
attachments is also used.
Psychodynamic therapists have a coaching or teaching
role, helping their clients to unpick the past learning experiences and
assumptions, overcome any blocks in development stages, balance their
personality factors and learn new coping strategies letting go of old
outdated defence mechanisms.
In classic psychodynamic therapy the process is
lengthy. However in practice these days it is combined with other
therapy techniques and therefore is no longer prohibitively long term.
It should be noted however that this method deals largely with deep
seated underlying issues and therefore requires commitment by both
therapist and client.
Always seek a properly trained, qualified and
registered therapist. For details on our commitment to nationally
accredited qualifications, and why you should choose us, click HERE
Please note that at the time of writing (2007) work is
in progress to complete the first stage towards statutory regulation of
all counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists. This first stage
is the writing of a new set of National Occupational Standards for
"Psychological therapies". Although we support this in principle, there
is a concern that this development may lead to a restriction on
therapists combining other therapies with these "psychological
therapies". If it transpires that we are unable to continue in our
flexible and holistic approach to combined use of therapies, we will
cease using the titles of "psychotherapist," and "counsellor", and
instead use the terms "Life Coach" and "holistic therapist", refering
to the former as "using counselling and psychotherapy skills". We will
of course continue to adhere to appropriate National Occupational
Standards in this event, including NOS Hypnotherapy and NOS Healing.
Key Words:
Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, Counselling, Modality, Therapy,
Psychotherapist, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Carlisle, Midlothian, CBT,
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Freud, Jung, Analysis, Analyst, NLP.
Stirling, Lothian, Scotland, Training, Supervision.
