Chapter 12 -- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

I. Freudian Psychoanalysis
A. Goals are to gain insight and make the unconscious conscious
B. Free Association and Dream Analysis help to access the unconscious fantasies and wishes
C. Resistance such as avoiding topics prevents insight and shows the internal conflicts
D. Transference of feelings for other important relationships onto the therapist
E. Catharsis is the expression of powerful emotions
F. Interpretations convey the underlying meaning

II. Ego Therapy
A. Goal is to strengthen the ego, focus is on the present
B. Examine ego defense mechanisms
C. Reeducation to focus on strengths

III. Object Relations Therapy
A. The goal is to change person schemas, the automatic thoughts and emotions for others
B. Examine early attachment experiences to parents and caretakers
C. Interpret transference toward therapist as a repeat of childhood experiences

IV. Interpersonal Therapy
A. The goal is to change patterns of self-defeating interpersonal interactions and increase support
B. Examine grief, interpersonal deficits, interpersonal disputes, role transitions
C. Improve social skills, expression of emotions, and understanding of relationships
D. Effective for depression, eating disorders

V. Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
A. The goal is to gain insight
B. Analyze transference with therapist
C. Recognize maladaptive patterns of interactions (inflexible interpersonal behaviors, negative expectations of others’ reactions, and negative feelings and thoughts about the self)