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The psychodynamic approach is a type that takes theoretical postulates of psychoanalysis as a therapeutic method, such as, for example, the detailed review of the person’s history. However, the types of therapies can be clearly differentiated.

What does psychodynamic therapy treat? Objectively, this clinical approach is a therapeutic approach based on conflict resolution, which consists of solving different problem areas at the same time. This aspect gives it a dynamic character, as it also tries to reduce the duration of treatment.

The psychodynamic approach comes from other theoretical branches. In this topic you mention the main theoretical currents that intervene in the construction of psychodynamic therapy:

• Classical psychoanalysis : approach created by Sigmund Freud with the aim of understanding the unconscious processes of the human being. To achieve his goal, he created a space shared by a patient and an analyst in which the person talks about their personal conflicts. To locate the origin of the same, it is necessary to resort to traumatic scenes that give rise to the symptoms that the person experiences. In this article you will find more information about what psychoanalysis is .
• Psychoanalytic psychotherapies : Unlike classical psychoanalysis that can last a long time, there are shorter psychoanalytic therapies that try to resolve symptoms without the need for such a prolonged duration. Exponents such as Rank and Ferenczi made interesting contributions that were taken up by psychodynamic therapy.
• Psychology of the Self : this theoretical framework focuses on the way a person relates to others and/or objects in reality. For this reason, more importance is given to the person’s present than to his past experiences.

In general terms, the goals of psychodynamic therapy adapt to the needs of each patient. However, it is possible to locate some basic principles that this branch of psychology proposes. Next, we will explain what psychodynamic therapy is for:

1. It favors the person’s mental health : this is done through the recognition of unconscious aspects that allow giving a different meaning to traumatic experiences.
2. Provides Solution to Current Problems : As we mentioned earlier, psychodynamic therapy does not happen in the past. On the contrary, it tries to establish an adequate solution in a short period of time.

If you wonder how psychodynamic therapy works, you should know that this theoretical approach adopts concrete techniques that are implemented in the development of a treatment. It should be noted that they are taken from other theoretical currents in which good efficacy has been demonstrated. In the following items, we will expose the main techniques of the psychodynamic approach:

• Free association : this technique is taken from classical psychoanalysis. Basically, it consists of the patient talking about any topic that arises in his thoughts despite the fact that it may seem to have no importance or sense.
• Dream analysis : the formations of the unconscious are the main access route to traumatic contents. In this sense, one of the ways to obtain important data is to analyze the patient’s dreams. Through understanding them, it is possible to access deeper aspects of the personality. Find out more about the meaning of dreams with interpretation in this article.
• Interpretation of transference : transference can be understood as the bond that is established between the patient and the therapist. This type of relationship puts the emotions, thoughts and behaviors of the patient’s life at stake. By analyzing and interpreting the transference, it is possible to obtain information about how the person relates in other areas.
• Identification of defense mechanisms : People often adopt ways to defend themselves from situations that turn out to be unpleasant. However, this can generate many problems with the surroundings. Through the recognition of defense mechanisms, the patient learns to be aware of the unfavorable impact of his defense mechanisms.

Now that you know the steps of psychodynamic therapy, it is also necessary to highlight in which clinical areas it is used. Although it is still a field of exploration, it has been seen that psychodynamic therapy has favored the solution of phobias, anxiety disorders and compulsions.

Furthermore, the development of favorable aspects of the personality allows people to have more pleasant relationships with the social, professional, academic and affective environment. On the other hand, the exploration of unconscious processes gave rise to a greater degree of self-reflection and freedom, as it allows one to speak freely about what one feels.