There are many different therapeutic techniques used to treat mental health disorders but psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest and most well-known theories out there to date. It dates back to the founding father of psychology, Sigmund Freud. It is used in numerous settings which makes it useful for many different types of challenges people may face.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a technique used by therapists and counselors to help people overcome mental health disorders. Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea there are unconscious processes (thoughts and emotions) that drive human behavior. If a person is engaging in unhealthy behaviors, it may help to uncover the unconscious processes that are causing these behaviors.
History of Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy originated based on theories set forth by Fred, who believed individuals behave based on a combination of unconscious sexual and aggressive drives, defense mechanisms and guilt. His theory and practice were known as psychoanalytic therapy. This therapy involved sexual exploration, especially with regard to identifying sexual frustration towards one’s parents. Psychodynamic therapy also assumes human beings are complex creatures who are driven by more than sex and aggression. This therapy focuses on problem resolution and developing personal insight.
How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work
Psychodynamic therapy requires a person to spend time recalling past events in their life. This may be painful or difficult for some people. In cases of substance abuse, many people may have turned to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with memories. Returning to them can be difficult but in therapy it may be supportive as an environment in which to explore these challenges. If a person is ready to work through his or her past events, this type of therapy can be an excellent tool. Doing any type of therapeutic work is hard. Recovery is not a time to sit back and rest, thinking sobriety and recovery will just keep going as it is right now. It is a time to continue deep, hard work on oneself and focus on healing those past wounds to move forward in life. It may be working through those things that a person breaks through and finds true healing on the other side of addiction.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare knows that lifetime sobriety, health, and wellness, are completely possible. Each of our treatment programs offer the opportunity for holistic healing utilizing an integrative approach for the recovery of mind, body, and spirit. You can recover. You will recover. Call us today for more information: 844-560-7269