Psychodynamic Theory

Psycho dynamic theory is a unique approach to psychology, one which was instigated by Sigmund Freud. Psychodynamic psychology ignores the idea of science and focuses instead on getting inside of the head of the person so as to better make sense of their relationships, how they view the world, and their experiences.

Psychodynamic psychology includes nearly every theory in psychology which looks at human functioning as something based upon the interaction of forces within the person. It also includes all theories that see human functioning a something based upon the different structures of an individual personality. The original psychodynamic theory was that of psychoanalysis put forth by Sigmund Freud. But psychodynamic theory also includes a wide range of theories from other famous psychologist including Adler and Jung.

Psychodynamic theory is a theory as well as a therapy. Sigmund Freud developed different theories which formed the foundation of psychodynamic approaches. And his theories were derived from clinical experiences; those things which are patients told him during therapy sessions. A psychodynamic therapist would treat the patient for anxiety related disorders for depression in most cases. Psychodynamic approaches to psychology believe that behavior and feelings are attached to unconscious motives. It also assumes that the feelings and behaviors adults have including their psychological problems are rooted within their childhood experiences.

Psychodynamic approach theory states that behavior often has a cause which is unconscious and could even be something as simple as a slip of the tongue. And as a result all behavior is determined by something in their past. The idea is that the personality is made up of the three components including the id, the ego, and the super ego.

Within psychodynamic psychology behavior is motivated by two very instinctual drives. The first is the sex drive and the life instinct. And the second is the death instinct in the aggressive drive. But both of these drives are actually derived from the id part of the personality. The id and the superego are part of the unconscious mind and they are always conflicting with the ego, or the conscious part of human brains. This conflict between the unconscious mind and the conscious mind creates anxiety. In the anxiety is often dealt with through defense mechanisms put forth by the ego. In this type of psychological approach personality is shaped by modified drives. Consider that throughout all that the developmental stages of childhood people face different conflicts. These different conflicts then modify the different drives behind a personality. As a result all personality of a patient in the here and the now refer back to an experience in their past.