Meaning of psychodynamic
Psychodynamics Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
psy·cho·dy·nam·ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-miks
-də-
1
: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states
2
: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes
3
: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level
psychodynamic
ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mik
-də-
adjective
psychodynamically
ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mi-k(ə-)lē
-də-
adverb
Word History
First Known Use
1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of psychodynamics was in 1874
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Dictionary Entries Near
psychodynamicspsychodrama
psychodynamics
psychodynamism
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“Psychodynamics. ” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychodynamics. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.
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Medical Definition
psychodynamics
psy·cho·dy·nam·ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈnam-iks, -də-
1
: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states
2
: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes
3
: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level
psychodynamic
-ik
adjective
psychodynamically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
What Is Psychodynamic Psychology? | BetterHelp
Psychodynamic psychology—or "psychodynamics"—is the branch of study in psychology regarding the underlying factors affecting behavior in a person, especially the subconscious mind.
We all have experiences in our lives and our past experiences from childhood can affect our day-to-day choices and behaviors.
Psychodynamic psychology focuses on these factors, how they may intertwine in our development and mindset. This form of psychology focuses on how these findings can be of use in therapy and understanding the human psyche in general.
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The Goal Of Psychodynamic PsychologyWe all may experience situations and emotions in our upbringing and past that consciously and subconsciously affect our day-to-day choices, perceptions, and behaviors. The goal of psychodynamic psychology is to analyze past events and their impact on us in order to understand the long-term effects of these various experiences.
By doing so, mental health professionals can provide appropriate treatment in helping us understand ourselves, overcome issues that may be of particular concern and deeply instilled, and provide the appropriate and specialized treatment if we’re struggling with delayed or impaired emotional development.
Psychology has many different branches, but psychodynamic psychology stems from the work of Sigmund Freud. Freud conceived that a person's childhood experience and development were a determining subconscious factor in their later behavior, perceptions, and personality. This is what is referred to as "psychodynamic psychology." This, however, originated from his initial work of psychoanalytic theory.
Psychoanalytic TheoryFreud's psychoanalytic theory is the concept of an individual's behavior stemming from the three facets of the mind: the id, the ego, and the superego. These are non-physical components of the brain that develop at different stages throughout a person's life, and all come together to form the type of person we are and how we interact with and perceive the world around us.
The id, defined in simple terms, is an element of the mind that is considered instinctual and is present in an individual from the moment of birth, comprising of aggressions and drives attributed to a person's core.
The ego is the label attached to the psychological component that mediates and provides a balance between the id and the superego. The superego encompasses an individual's concept of morality that determines their conscience. According to Freud’s theory, these three elements combined are what determines each person's personality.
The id is the part of our mind's workings that is present from birth and is instinctual, whereas the ego and the superego do not develop until later in life. It’s something ingrained in the unconscious parts of our minds and does not change as we grow older. It lies underneath the more "reachable" parts of the psyche and demands action based upon impulses, strongly affecting whether we are satisfied or displeased by achieving or acquiring the things we want.
It’s only with the development of the ego and the superego that the id can be kept in check since it naturally has no concern for the concept of consequences. Think of it as the small, selfish, childlike part of our minds that demands what it wants and demands it immediately, whereas the later-developing facets are the maturity that forms over time to promote healthy and reasonable behaviors in reaction to those impulses caused by the id.
While the id is selfish and childlike, the ego is the mediator facet that processes the world through a filter of reason and logic. It seeks to satisfy the wishes and impulses of the id but does so by finding reasonable and logical approaches to the demands of the id without experiencing unpleasant consequences due to social and situational factors. This component comes along with life experience and increased maturity and focuses on ways to promote pleasurable emotions, but while also considering all outside factors to find the best possible course of action. The id may unconsciously make us want to get a new car (and by any means possible since it has no concern for anything but what it desires).
But the ego would decide that the quick act of simply stealing one would clearly be a terrible idea and therefore devise a strategy to save the funds necessary and maybe even find a way of getting a loan or financing to afford this new vehicle we want. Some of us may struggle with controlling the id component of our minds and consequently behave recklessly and make poor choices that result in unfortunate consequences.
In these cases, the ego may not be strong enough to overcome those natural impulses, and this is a situation that psychodynamic psychology addresses. The ego embodies self-control and problem-solving on behalf of the three components of the mind.
The superego can be described as the morality component and encompasses the values and morals we grow to have as we’re influenced by the world and the people around us. Whereas the ego is a mediator between both the id and the superego. The superego attempts to impose a moral view upon the id and the ego in an attempt to modify both to meet personal and social standards. The ego may focus on problem-solving and rationality, but the superego places even greater restrictions on what may be wrong or right, rather than just what may be the most plausible course of action.
This is what is commonly referred to as a person's "conscience." This conscience (the superego) can allow us to feel good when doing something that has a positive impact and can cause us to experience guilt and shame upon doing something we probably should not have done.
Having an underdeveloped ego may have significant negative consequences on our behavior and life choices, and this is something explained via psychodynamic psychology and addressed with psychodynamic therapy.
Psychodynamic TherapyPsychodynamic therapy involves analyzing the subconscious and unconscious factors in our minds and behavior to understand how it affects our personalities, perception of the world around us, and present actions. Understanding psychoanalytic theory may help us to see the three components at play within the mind. Therefore, we may be able to analyze them better and make adjustments via therapy when needed.
Though biological factors may play a part in some of us, the main causes of delayed emotional growth (and by proxy the growth of the ego and superego) may generally be attributed to trauma, abuse, or neglect while one is a child.
Psychodynamic therapy seeks to help us pinpoint the areas in which development has not taken place and address the issues that may have caused these challenges.
A therapist can help us to find new strategies for daily life and how to process our urges and emotions appropriately, and consequently our behaviors from then on. This is handled with the standard counseling and therapeutic approach of talk therapy.
Everyone is unique in their own way so it can be beneficial to consider talk therapy with a certified mental health provider to explore your subconscious. Studies have found that digital therapy interventions had “meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety.”
Online therapy has a list of benefits including more accessibility for people in remote locations and more affordability since it reduces the cost of traveling to an in-person appointment.
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Connect With An Online Therapist
Therapy itself generally starts with the therapist and client deciding on a primary concern that may have the most significant lifelong effect and focusing on treatment for that main area or specific topic.
Our thought processes and responses in treatment may be explored first. Then, connections will be made regarding which events or experiences affected which areas of our brain and in what manner they caused challenges for us.
It’s possible that our behaviors and responses to specific events in our present lives may have deep roots in the unconscious and subconscious mind. Our therapist may bring our attention to how our past issues have affected our current mental and emotional development.
Then, we may begin to work together creating a plan of action for alleviating these miswirings within the psyche and work towards coping with past trauma, as well as developing psychological maturity for a better future prognosis.
This may take months or even years to accomplish as we may prefer to take therapy at a comfortable pace. With consistent therapeutic care, guidance from a licensed professional, and active involvement on our part, it’s possible that we may overcome the events of early life and further develop the emotional maturity to assist the ego and superego to function in harmony.
Takeaway
If you feel as though a psychodynamic approach to therapy may help with overcoming challenges in regards to emotional development, and would like to seek further help or information, reach out to a licensed professional at BetterHelp.
Difference between Psychodynamics and Psychoanalytics
The main difference between Psychodynamics and Psychoanalytics is that the Psychodynamic Approach covers the theories and approaches based on Freud and his followers (some of whom later refuted him), while the Psychoanalytic Approach specifically refers to to Freud's original theories and therapeutic approach.
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories recognize the importance of unconscious psychological processes and childhood experiences. Both of them are also closely associated with Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. They explain the manifestations of defense mechanisms, free association, dream analysis, and internal conflicts. Therefore, in a number of sources these terms are used interchangeably.
Contents
- Overview and main differences
- What is Psychodynamics
- What is Psychoanalytics
- What is the difference between Psychodynamics and Psychoanalytics
- Conclusion
What is Psychodynamics?
The psychodynamic approach refers to the therapeutic approach and theories developed by Freud and supported by his followers such as neo-Freudians (although they did not agree with some of his concepts). They did not attach importance to sex and gave more importance to the influence of the social environment. These include Carl Gustav Jung, Alfred Adler, Karen Horney.
Carl Gustav Jung
Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and Freud's protege. His theory is called Analytical Psychology. He met Freud in 1907, they were impressed by each other's work and developed a close friendship. In fact, Freud regarded Jung as his intellectual heir. However, Jung separated from Freud in 1913 due to their differences in concepts.
He believed that Freud's theory of the unconscious was too negative and incomplete. For example, Jung suggested that there is a deeper and transpersonal form of the unconscious called the "collective unconscious" that manifests itself through universal symbols. Freud then dismissed Jung's interest in myths as unscientific.
Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler was an Austrian psychiatrist whose theory is called Individual Psychology. He was the first president of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, hence he was part of Freud's inner circle of colleagues. Adler believed that in childhood, instead of sexual and aggressive urges, we are driven by feelings of inferiority and that people should be studied as a whole. Due to disagreements with Freud, Adler left the society, taking with him a third of its members.
Alfred AdlerKaren Horney
Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst who also questioned some of Freud's theories.
She is credited with feminist psychology. Horney disagreed with Freud's concept of "Penis Envy" (young girls experience anxiety when they realize they don't have a penis). She stated that men experience "womb envy", that men are actually jealous of women's ability to bear children.
According to the American Psychological Association, psychodynamic therapy is a deep form of talk therapy that is usually given once a week (and is usually shorter than traditional psychoanalytic therapy). In addition to studying the unconscious and past experiences, this approach also takes into account the influence of the outside world. It is also known as "Understanding-Oriented Psychotherapy", which is the oldest form of modern therapy.
Karen HorneyWhat is Psychoanalysis?
The psychoanalytic point of view refers to theories and therapeutic methods based on the original work of the Austrian neurologist Freud. The term "psychoanalysis" was coined by Freud in 1896. His interest in the unconscious was sparked by the case of "Anna O.
" who was cured when her repressed memories were revealed. The main assumptions of this approach include:
- Psychological problems are rooted in the unconscious.
- Treatment aims to bring repressed conflict to consciousness.
- Personality is greatly influenced by childhood experiences.
- People use defense mechanisms against threatening information from the unconscious.
- The mind consists of id, ego and superego.
- Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious.
- All tension is due to increased libido and the fact that all pleasure comes from its discharge.
Psychoanalytic therapy usually takes place several times a week. It is based on Freud's psychoanalytic theories and is generally more intense and longer lasting than psychodynamic therapy.
What is the difference between Psychodynamics and Psychoanalysis
The psychoanalytic approach refers to theories and therapeutic methods that are based on the original work of Freud, who coined the term "psychoanalysis" in 1896.
On the other hand, the psychodynamic approach refers to the therapeutic approach and theories developed by Freud and supported by his neo-Freudian followers (Jung, Adler, Horney, Erickson, Klein, etc.).
The psychoanalytic approach downplays the importance of sex and emphasizes the influence of the social environment. On the contrary, the psychoanalytic point of view attaches more importance to the influence of the libido.
Psychodynamic therapy is an advanced form of talking therapy that is usually given once a week. In addition to studying the unconscious and past experiences, this approach also takes into account the influence of the outside world. It is also known as "Understanding-Oriented Psychotherapy", which is the oldest form of modern therapy. In comparison, psychoanalytic therapy is usually performed several times a week. It is based on Freud's psychoanalytic theories and is generally more intense and longer lasting than psychodynamic therapy.
Conclusion
- Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories recognize the importance of unconscious psychological processes and childhood experiences.
- The psychodynamic approach refers to the therapeutic approach and theories developed by Freud and supported by his followers such as neo-Freudians.
- The psychoanalytic approach refers to theories and therapeutic methods based on the original work of Freud.
- The psychodynamic approach usually downplays the importance of sex and emphasizes the influence of the social environment.
- Compared to psychoanalytic therapy, psychodynamic therapy is less intensive and shorter. It also takes into account the influence of the outside world.
Psychodynamics, psychodynamic approach - Psychologos
The term "psychodynamics" usually means movement, unfolding, growth and decay, interaction and struggle of forces within the human psyche. Then the psychodynamic approach is an approach according to which the processes that are visible to a person, occurring in his psyche, are determined not by external circumstances, not by the mind or will of a person, but by the independent dynamics (interaction and struggle) of forces inside the psyche.
"We do not simply want to describe and classify phenomena, but we strive to understand them as a manifestation of the struggle of mental forces, as an expression of purposeful tendencies that work in accordance with each other or against each other. We adhere to a dynamic understanding of mental phenomena." - Z. Freud, Introduction to psychoanalysis.
The psychodynamic approach proceeds from the assumption that the human psyche has its own movements and interactions of energies that cannot be reduced to physiological or social influences.
Historically, everything began with psychoanalysis, starting from a dynamic understanding of mental phenomena "... as manifestations of the struggle of mental forces, as expressions of purposeful tendencies that work in accordance with each other or against each other" (3. Freud, 1915).
K. Jung, A. Adler, O. Rank, G. Sullivan, K. Horney, E. Fromm and many others worked in the psychodynamic approach. Today, in practical psychology, within the framework of these approaches, there are (among the most famous schools and directions) transactional analysis, psychodrama (as its variety - systemic constellations) and body-oriented psychotherapy.
The desire for superiority, an inferiority complex are also concepts of the psychodynamic approach. Domestic personality-oriented reconstructive psychotherapy based on the psychology of relationships V.N. Myasishchev - a kind of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Existential-humanistic psychotherapy - similarly. If you list all schools and directions, then the list is as follows →
The psychodynamic approach does not always give clear answers about the causes of what is happening and the patterns of the flow, we are often satisfied with general indications of the directions for the search for such mechanisms. If over and over again, sometimes in a dream, sometimes in reality, strange images and memories pop up, as if we are standing on the edge of a cliff and cannot decide to take a step forward, although we feel that we may have wings - we can assume that such pictures may be associated with such and such repressed desires. Understanding when and why you suppressed these desires and what these suppressed desires are now doing to you, you find yourself inside the psychodynamic approach.
The psychodynamic approach admits that some aspects of our behavior cannot, in principle, be easily explained.
If we assume that the ideas of our ancestors live in us, that we live our next life from a string of our lives, then we will interpret our strange insights in connection with these assumptions. This is also a psychodynamic approach, although not related to any science.
Dynamics of internal energies is not necessarily deep, it can lie on the surface, be elementary for understanding. "Action is equal to reaction", "The more you push, the more resistance..."
It is important to understand that simple speakers are not synonymous with "not important". The dynamics of distraction or patterns of fatigue are of the utmost importance, although it is difficult to classify them as deep dynamics.
On the other hand, deep dynamics is not a synonym for something necessarily important and significant. During auto-training of the highest level, color discharges begin to occur in the human mind.
There is some regularity in them, we can assume that this is due to the dynamics of some internal, apparently deep energies, but it is difficult to say whether this reflects something important or is only "internal noise".
Not all dynamics dictate a person's behavior. While classical psychoanalysis describes cases where a person’s behavior was rigidly controlled by internal dynamics, was a necessary consequence of internal impulses and states, in Jungianism and the humanistic approach it often turns out that despite the influence of deep dynamics, a person’s external behavior can fully meet the circumstances, be socially adequate and within reasonable limits.
Some internal dynamics allow the person or his environment to carry out some activity (soft dynamics), others essentially dictate how a person will behave (hard dynamics).
Classical psychoanalysis describes cases when a person's behavior was controlled by rigid dynamics, was the result of internal impulses and states.
In other approaches, the external, social behavior of a person fully corresponded to external circumstances, was adequate and within the framework, but internal dynamics were of interest as an expression of what is happening in the inner world, the world of feelings and relationships. This is Jungianism and the humanistic approach.
Where does psychologists and psychologists' clients get their interest in the dynamics of human internal energies? - Oddly enough, this is not an easy question. Knowledge of laws in science makes it possible (at least theoretically) to predict the course of the processes under study, but in psychological work this is practically not in demand. Sigmund Freud and his followers believed that the client's understanding of his internal situation, his awareness of the internal conflict relieves him, but this assumption was not confirmed: awareness may or may not affect what is happening inside us.
"The principle of the pendulum" - the cyclical change of mental states.
The dynamics are known, understandable, but awareness of this dynamics does not change it much. "Principle of three days" - if you were offended, broke off the relationship and want your appearance "again" to be as emotional as possible, then you need to call on the third day after lunch. The well-known psychodynamics works: on the first day they are not waiting for your appearance, on the second they are waiting, but not hot, and on the fourth they will already forget you and will not wait. Therefore, you need to show up and call on the third day ... So, the knowledge of these patterns has little effect on your experiences - psychodynamics works regardless of our knowledge of it.
However, it should be taken into account that many clients feel better simply because they received an explanation of what is happening, even if nothing has really changed for them. In addition, simple curiosity and the desire of many people to delve into themselves cannot be ruled out.
Deep psychodynamic approach
It so happened that very elementary things, such as the adaptation of the internal tempo-rhythm to a change in the rhythm of life or communication of the interlocutor, although they are a typical manifestation of the dynamics of internal energies, are usually considered "for granted" and theories using them, to psychodynamic approach is usually not considered.
The solid title of "psychodynamic approach", meaning a deep psychodynamic approach, is more often assigned to theories that describe non-obvious and unverifiable phenomena that are usually attributed to the unconscious life of a person.
According to the deep psychodynamic approach, the real guiding and moving processes of our mental life are unconscious, hidden from us. We tend to think that we are fully aware of the motives and reasons for our behavior, but in a deep psychodynamic approach this is called into question. Rather, it is assumed that the choice of this or that style of behavior, the inclination to this or that work, the features of our romantic ideal, habits and sexual preferences are often formed not by virtue of our conscious and controlled choice, but are only comprehended and formalized by consciousness - being already formed hidden spiritual processes.
At the same time, in the psychodynamic approach, it is not a priori stated that the deep dynamics is the obligation of the collision of primary sexual drives with the reality principle.
