Psychodynamic approach

• Psychodynamic Approach


  A theory that delves into the depths of the human mind, focusing on the unconscious and the structure of personality
• Key elements of the psychodynamic approach

  • Id
  • Ego
  • Superego
• Id


  • Primitive part of our psyche
  • Driven by the pleasure principle
  • Seeks instant gratification
• Superego


  • Represents internalized ideals and moral standards
  • Strives for perfection
  • Acts as our conscience
• Ego


  • Mediates between the Id and Superego
  • Balances primal urges with societal expectations
• Defence mechanisms


  Unconscious strategies the mind uses to protect itself from distress
• Defence mechanisms


  • Repression
  • Denial
  • Displacement
• Repression


  Pushing painful memories or thoughts into the unconscious
• Sigmund Freud


  Considered the father of psychoanalysis
• Psychosexual development stages


  1. Oral stage

  2. Anal stage

  3. Phallic stage

  4. Latent stage

  5. Genital stage
• Oral stage


  • Infants derive pleasure from oral activities
  • Forms the foundation of trust and dependency
• Anal stage


  • Toddlers experience pleasure from control over bowel movements
  • Lays the groundwork for autonomy and self-control
• Phallic stage


  • Marked by curiosity about the genitals
  • Development of the Oedipus complex in boys
  • Development of the Electra complex in girls
• Latent stage


  • Children suppress psychosexual interests
  • Focus on developing social and intellectual skills
• Genital stage


  • Individuals reach sexual maturity
  • Seek intimate relationships
  • Aim to establish a balance between pleasure and responsibility
• Completion of psychosexual stages is essential for healthy personality development
• Humanistic psychology


  A psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of the whole person, focusing on individual potential, growth, and self-actualization
• Free will


  The ability of individuals to make choices and decisions based on their perceptions of the world
• Free will contrasts with

  Deterministic approaches that emphasize external factors in shaping behavior
• Self-actualization


  A process by which individuals strive to fulfill their potential and achieve personal growth
• Self-actualization


  • Deep understanding of oneself
  • Sense of authenticity
  • Pursuit of meaningful goals
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs


  A theory that outlines a hierarchy of five basic needs that motivate human behavior
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs

  • Physiological needs
  • Safety needs
  • Love and belonging needs
  • Esteem needs
  • Self-actualization needs
• Self-concept


  How individuals perceive themselves and their abilities
• Congruence


  The alignment between an individual's self-concept and their actual experiences and feelings
• Conditions of worth


  Conditions set by others that dictate the self-worth of individuals
• Counselling psychology


  A field that focuses on helping individuals overcome personal challenges and improve their mental well-being
• Humanistic psychology offers a holistic framework for understanding human behavior and promoting personal development
• Humanistic psychology highlights the inherent potential of individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives
• The influence of humanistic psychology is evident in counselling psychology
• Humanistic approaches play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and psychological well-being