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Psychodynamic therapy and its methods Sur Psychodynamic approach assumes that the human mind has its own movement and interaction energies, which cannot be reduced to physiological or social influences. Thus, these guiding and driving processes of our mental life are unconscious, hidden from us. We consider ourselves to be quite aware about the motives and reasons of our behavior, but the deep psychodynamic approach has some doubts about it (Dryden, 2007). It assumes that the choice of a particular style of behavior, lifestyle and especially our romantic ideals, habits and sexual preferences often develop not because of our conscious and controlled choice, but because of our hidden mental processes, so consciousness has only to conceptualize and execute.

Interest in the dynamics of the man internal energies is quite understandable: knowledge of the science laws gives us (at least theoretically) the ability to predict the course of the investigated processes. Nevertheless, psychodynamic approach does not always provide us with clear answers about the causes and patterns of what is happening, often we need to be satisfied just with the general guidance on where such mechanisms may be found. Psychodynamic approach assumes that some moments of our behavior cannot have simple explanations (Dryden, 2007).

However, we must note that many people need just an explanation of what is happening, even if in reality it doesn’t change anything.Psychodynamic therapy in classical psychoanalysis includes five basic technics. Among them is the method of free association, which comprises production of accidentally coming to mind statements, the contents of which may reflect any client’s experience. During that the therapist should pay particular attention on the content and sequence of the statements.Also the method of dreams interpretation is being used.

It distinguishes manifested and latent meanings (the second one includes the repressed unconscious and embodied in allegorical form experience). It is taken into account that during sleep Ego-defense mechanisms are being weakened and experience hidden from the consciousness is manifested, thus dreaming is the process of transforming experience in a more acceptable for the perception form (Huprich, 2009).Method of interpretation or explanation includes several procedures: identification and symbol explanation of own interpretations and translation them into the language of client’s everyday life.

Analysis of the resistance ensures patient to become aware of his Ego-defense mechanisms and to adopt necessary confrontation over them. Analysis of the transference is an essential feature of psychotherapy in psychoanalysis. It promotes awareness of fixations that define patient’s behavior and experience (Warren, 1998).There are also strict requirements about the position and role of the therapist in classical psychoanalysis. They are non-interference, detachment, neutrality and personal closeness.

Therapist also should have an ability to withstand transference and work with countertransference, as well as be observant and capable on adequate interpretations (Summers, 2010).There exists long and short-term psychodynamic therapy. Experts consider that while starting the process of long-term treatment there cannot be defined fixed end-date of the therapy. Prolonged treatment depends on how much conflict zones are needed to be studied over the course of therapy. Along with that, short-term psychodynamic therapy is designed to make behavioral changes related to the specific areas of internal conflict.

From a long-term psychodynamic therapy it differs in its time frames. Usually, it takes from six to twenty sessions.Thus, the main purpose of psychological help in classical psychoanalysis is the realization of unconscious motives, defense mechanisms, and ways of behavior in order to adopt an adequate and realistic interpretation.ReferencesDryden, W. (2007) Drydens Handbook of Individual Therapy. London: SAGE.Huprich, S.K. (2009) Psychodynamic Therapy: Conceptual and Empirical Foundations. New York: Taylor & Francis.

Summers, R.F., Barber, J.P. (2010) Psychodynamic Therapy: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice. New York: Guilford Press.Warren, C.S. (1998) Models of Brief Psychodynamic Therapy: A Comparative Approach. New York: Guilford Press