Psychodynamic Theory Essay

Psychoanalysis or psychodynamic theory has a background with Sigmund Freud, who believed there were unconscious compulsions that urge behavior. The methods Freud developed such as free association, dream analysis, and transference are still used by psychoanalysts today.
In general, psychotherapists and counselors who use this approach direct much of their focus and energy on analyzing previous relationships especially traumatic childhood experiences in relation to an individual’s current life. The theory, that by bringing these memories and issues to light, then treatment and healing can occur. This theory is heavily researched and the more that the field of neuroscience progresses, counselors are finding how psychodynamic theory can actually benefit an individual’s brain. Though, psychodynamic theory can be more time intensive in comparison to some short-term theories because it includes interfering deeply rooted behaviors and requires significant work on understanding one’s self.
Another theory is Behavioral therapy which holds the belief that behavior is learned. Classic conditioning is one type of behavioral therapy that starts with Ivan Pavlov’s research. Pavlov executed a famous study using dogs, which concentrated on the effects of a learned response through a stimulus.
Psychologist, B.F.

This method focuses on how an individual’s thoughts can change feelings and behaviors. Unlike psychodynamic theory, cognitive theory is short term and oriented toward problem solving. Cognitive therapists focus the majority on the client’s present situation and askew thinking than on their past. Cognitive and behavioral therapy are sometimes intertwined as a single theory used by counselors and therapists. Cognitive behavioral therapy, (CBT) has been proven in research to benefit with many mental health issues including anxiety, personality, eating, and substance abuse