Psychodynamic Theory Summary

Clients exhibit behavior patterns without realizing it themselves. According to psychodynamic theory, behaviors exhibited by clients can be linked to childhood experiences. The client may not even know why they act or feel the way they do. A group leader can point out current behavior patterns to help the client realize why they are exhibiting certain behaviors. Psychodynamic theory “seeks to explain human behavior largely through under-standing unconscious processes, that is, forces that lie outside of an individual’s awareness” (Deal, 2007, p. 189). Referred to as depth psychology, “psychodynamic thought attempts to explain phenomena that, on the surface, may appear unrelated or to serve no obvious purpose” (Deal, 2007, p. 189).

The group becomes “a reenactment of the family situation” (Toseland & Rivas, 2014, p. 59). The group is essentially a surrogate or second family for the members. For example, the leader may be seen as a father figure who has control over the group. (Toseland & Rivas, 2014). Members “form transference reactions to the group leader and to each other because of their early life experiences” (Toseland & Rivas, 2014, p. 59). This means that feelings of one person are applied to the leader and the other members of the group which shows that interactions that occur within the group reflect personality traits and defense mechanisms that members began to develop in childhood. The group leader “uses transference and countertransference reactions to help members work through unresolved conflicts by exploring past behavior patterns and linking these patterns to current behaviors” (Toseland & Rivas, 2014, p. 59). Using the correct timing, a group worker should point out current behaviors that can be linked to past behaviors. The members gain insight into their own behavior; this insight is essential in modifying and changing their behavior patterns (Toseland & Rivas,

Glen is placed in a group and one day a member of the group named Peter decided to quit group therapy. Glen and the other members showed emotions of hatred towards Peter when he did not show up for therapy. Peter’s departure from the group incited an exchange among the group members about their abusive and traumatic experiences at the hands of cruel and neglectful parents (Khantzian 2012). Being neglected by Peter brought up the anger they felt during childhood that they had forgotten. One good thing did come about because of their discovery. Knowing that others felt the same way as him and had experienced the same type of negative childhood event, Glen became closer with the other members and began to feel like he was comfortable enough to share more personal information. Khantzian, the leader, was able to help the group members realize that their hatred for Peter was caused by the traumatic experiences of abuse and abandonment as