Page 46 - Part A

Counselling Skills

The key elements of psychodynamic theory

Due to the complexity of counselling, there are many different approaches to
supporting a client through the counselling process. This can depend on the style
of additional support used, or the individual exercises and teachings a counsellor
demonstrates during the one-to-one counselling sessions. Psychodynamic theory is
the basis for the psychodynamic method or approach to the counselling relationship,
and is derived from psychoanalysis.

Q. What is psychoanalysis?

A. Psychoanalysis is a system of psychological theory and therapy that aims
to treat mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and
unconscious elements in the mind, and bringing repressed fears and conflicts
into the conscious mind.

Q. What is the difference between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic counselling?

A. The differences between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy is only in
the practice, and not in the way the theory is applied. Psychoanalysis therapy
would be intensive, over several days of the week and often for several years.
Whereas, psychodynamic therapy would take place once a week for a smaller
period of time. Psychodynamic counsellors would also make links to the past as
this is the main assumptions of both these ways of practice.

D Definition: Psychodynamic counselling

‘Psychodynamic counselling is based on the theory that there is an
interrelationship between unconscious and conscious mental forces
that determines personality and motivation.’
Source: Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

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