What Is Psychodynamics?

Psychodynamics is an approach to counselling in which the unconscious and conscious is studied in order to see the effect on how an individual functions both personally and dynamically. Psychodynamics has an emphasis on the early years of life as they believe that many of our behaviours are rooted in our childhood experiences (Loo et al., 2017). This case study will focus on Sigmund Freuds theory of psychoanalysis. Freud believed that many issues could be resolved by making sense of an individual’s unconscious thoughts and feelings. Freud believed that gaining insight to repressed experiences would cure an individual (Vaspe, 2017). Throughout the case study it is evident that Helen is having difficulties using Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis
One of the defence mechanisms that Helen engages in is sublimation, sublimation is a healthy defence mechanism that converts unhealthy impulses into something more acceptable. This is evident through her trying to keep her house clean and tidy it is stated in the case study that Helen spends her days meticulously cleaning her home she says cleaning keeps her mind off of other worries Helen this may also be a sign of repression, repression is an attempt to relieve information from the conscious awareness this can occur by force (suppression) although information is being repressed it may still influence an individual’s behaviour. As she is attempting to repress her emotions which is evident by the fact when she is not pre occupied cleaning she cries. Another defence mechanism that Helen displays is projection, projection is when an individual prescribes their own feelings and attributes to another individual in this case Helen herself is suffering from depression and in turn she believes her mother is suffering from thus ascribing her feelings towards her mother (Mageo,
The biological factor describes how individuals are born as a liability with a lack of dependence which eventually develops a need to be loved at all stages in life. The phylogenic factor depicts that a significant event occurred which has triggered a reaction. The psychological factor where repression begins to form and turn into neurotic symptoms which begin to worsen when previous repressions begin to fail. In the case study helen has shown a development of neurosis, depression. The biological factor contributing to this may be the fact that her relationships are deteriorating, her familys financial situation is bad and she has been engaging in arguments with her husband William and in addition to this she has not contacted her friends for 2 months. The phylogenic factor which has caused depression would be the stress from her job the triggering point being the irate parent who yelled at her. The psychological factor is in regards to her repression of the issues she faced while the repression has manifested into depression ultimately her repression has started to fail and when she is not preoccupied she e.g. post cleaning she sits and cries. Freud believed that individuals displaying neurotic