Psychodynamic Approach In Psychology

Importance of the unconscious mind

The unconscious mind contains hidden mental processes that shape judgments, emotions, and behaviors (Wilson, 2002).

According to the psychodynamic approach, the unconscious is the part of the mind that contains things we are unaware of, such as feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories.

According to Freud (1915), the unconscious mind is the primary source of human behavior. Like an iceberg, the most important part of the mind is the part you cannot see.

Our feelings, motives, and decisions are powerfully influenced by past experiences and stored in the unconscious.

Most of the content of the unconscious is unacceptable or unpleasant and could cause feelings of pain, anxiety, or conflict if it becomes conscious.

For example, hysteria is an example of a physical symptom that has no physical cause though the ailment is just as real as if it had, but rather is caused by some underlying unconscious problem.

The unconscious is seen as a vital part of the individual. It is irrational, emotional, and has no concept of reality which is why its attempts to leak out must be inhibited.

The role of the unconscious mind is to protect the ego from this content. However, according to Freud, the content of the unconscious motivates our feelings, motives, and decisions.

Importance of early experience

Our behavior and feelings as adults (including psychological problems) are rooted in our childhood experiences.

The psychodynamic theory states that events in our childhood have a significant influence on our adult lives, shaping our personality. 

Personality is shaped as the drives are modified by different conflicts at different times in childhood (during psychosexual development).

Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages of development predicated that childhood experiences create the adult personality.

Events that occur in childhood can remain in the unconscious and cause problems as adults, such as mental illness.

Psychic determinism

Psychic determinism is the idea that all behaviors have underlying unconscious causes.

Unconscious thoughts and feelings can transfer to the conscious mind through parapraxes, popularly known as Freudian slips or slips of the tongue.

We reveal what is really on our minds by saying something we didn’t mean to.

Freud believed that slips of the tongue provided an insight into the unconscious mind and that there were no accidents, every behavior (including slips of the tongue) was significant (i.e., all behavior is determined).

Behavior can be explained in terms of the inner conflicts of the mind

Personality comprises three parts (i.e., tripartite): the id, ego, and super-ego.

Parts of the unconscious mind (the id and superego) are in constant conflict with the conscious part of the mind (the ego). 

• The id is the primitive and instinctive component of personality. It consists of all the inherited (i.e., biological) components of personality present at birth, including the sex (life) instinct – Eros (which contains the libido), and the aggressive (death) instinct – Thanatos.
• The ego develops to mediate between the unrealistic id and the external real world. It is the decision-making component of personality.
• The superego incorporates society’s values and morals, which are learned from one’s parents and others. It has two components: the ego ideal, which sets the standards, and the conscience, which produces guilt. 

When unconscious conflicts between the id and the superego cannot be resolved by the ego, they create anxiety. To reduce this anxiety, we use defense mechanisms such as repression.

To be mentally healthy, the ego has to be able to balance the demands of the ego and the superego. If the superego is dominant, the individual might develop a neurosis e.g., depression.

If the id is dominant, the individual might develop a psychosis e.g., schizophrenia.

According to the psychodynamic approach, the therapist would resolve the problem by assisting the client to delve back into their childhood and identify when the problem arose.

Having identified the problem, this can be brought into the conscious, where the imbalance can be resolved, returning equanimity between the id, ego, and superego.

Consequently, the defense mechanisms will only operate at the maintenance level, and the mental illness will be cured.

Key Figures

The psychodynamic approach was founded by Sigmund Freud, but it has since evolved through the contributions of both Freudians and neo-Freudians.

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)

Sigmund Freud is the founder of psychoanalysis and the originator of many core psychodynamic concepts, including the unconscious mind, psychosexual stages of development, the id, ego, and superego, and defense mechanisms.

He believed that unconscious drives, especially sexual and aggressive instincts, shape behavior and personality.

Freud’s work laid the foundation for talking therapy and the belief that early childhood experiences can shape adult emotional life.

Neo-Freudians: Building on Freud

Neo-Freudians agreed with Freud’s emphasis on the unconscious but challenged or expanded his ideas in meaningful ways—shifting focus from biological instincts to social, cultural, and relational factors.

🔹 Carl Jung

Carl Jung developed Analytical Psychology, emphasizing the collective unconscious – a shared set of archetypes and symbols inherited across generations.

Unlike Freud, Jung believed in the potential for psychological growth and balance through self-integration, not just conflict resolution.

🔹 Alfred Adler

Adler broke from Freud to create Individual Psychology, focusing on feelings of inferiority and the drive for superiority and social connectedness.

He believed personality was shaped more by social interest and purposeful goals than unconscious conflict.

🔹 Melanie Klein

A pioneer of object relations theory, Melanie Klein emphasized how early relationships – especially between infants and caregivers – shape the internal world and unconscious mind.

Her work with children laid the groundwork for attachment theory and modern developmental psychology.

🔹 Karen Horney

Karen Horney challenged Freud’s male-centered theories, especially penis envy, arguing instead that cultural and social conditions, such as lack of warmth or security, were key in the development of neuroses.

She saw anxiety – not sexuality – as the root of psychopathology.

🔹 Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson extended Freud’s ideas into the lifespan with his psychosocial stages of development, which describe how identity evolves through challenges from infancy to late adulthood.

His theory remains influential in developmental and educational psychology.

Modern Developments in Psychodynamic Theory

Today, psychodynamic psychology has expanded far beyond Freud. Modern theorists integrate findings from neuroscience, attachment research, and interpersonal psychology to create more evidence-based and relationally focused models.

• Object Relations Theory: Builds on Melanie Klein’s ideas, focusing on how internalized images of early caregivers influence adult relationships and self-perception.

• Attachment-Based Psychodynamic Therapy: Incorporates Bowlby and Ainsworth’s work on secure and insecure attachment to explain emotional patterns and therapy needs.

• Neuropsychoanalysis: Bridges Freud’s insights with neuroscience, studying how brain systems relate to unconscious processes like emotion regulation and memory.

Contemporary psychodynamic thinkers recognize that not all of Freud’s ideas hold up scientifically – for example, the Oedipus complex is widely debated. However, research does support core principles such as:

• The role of the unconscious in shaping behavior

• The influence of early life experiences on adult personality

• The importance of interpersonal relationships in emotional wellbeing

What is an Example of Psychodynamic Behavior?

Understanding psychodynamic theory is easier – and far more engaging – when it’s applied to everyday situations.

While traditional examples like Freud’s case studies (e.g., Little Hans) are historically important, modern psychodynamic explanations can be used to understand common behaviors, and emotional struggles.

Below are several relatable examples that help illustrate core psychodynamic ideas in action.

1. Everyday Behaviors

Psychodynamic theory often explains behaviors that seem irrational or out of character as the result of unconscious conflicts or repressed emotions:

• Procrastination: A student consistently puts off studying. On the surface, it looks like laziness -but from a psychodynamic lens, it may be rooted in unconscious fear of failure or perfectionism, possibly shaped by overly critical parenting.

• Avoiding a Crush: Someone feels anxious or avoids a person they’re romantically interested in. This might reflect a repressed fear of rejection, triggered by early experiences of emotional abandonment or insecurity.

• Compulsive Hand-Washing: A person repeatedly washes their hands despite no visible dirt. Freud might interpret this as displacement – redirecting inner conflict or anxiety (perhaps related to guilt or a traumatic memory) onto a symbolic behavior.

2. Emotional Struggles and Defense Mechanisms

Psychodynamic theory also helps explain why people react strongly or strangely in emotional situations:

• Displacement: After being criticized at work, someone comes home and snaps at a family member. The ego, unable to confront the boss directly, redirects anger to a “safer” target.

• Repression: A person who was in a traumatic accident doesn’t remember the event at all. Their unconscious may be actively keeping the memory hidden to protect their conscious mind from distress.

• Projection: A person who feels jealous accuses their partner of being unfaithful, even with no evidence. Their own feelings are projected outward because acknowledging them would create guilt or anxiety.

3. Relationships and Personality

Many relationship difficulties and personality traits are interpreted in psychodynamic theory as reflections of childhood experiences:

• Fear of Commitment: Someone who repeatedly sabotages close relationships might be unconsciously reenacting attachment wounds from early childhood – such as being abandoned or emotionally neglected by a caregiver.

• Overly Compliant Behavior: An individual who avoids conflict at all costs may have developed this pattern during childhood to appease a harsh or unpredictable parent. Their ego defense mechanisms are still active in adult relationships.

4. Crime and Offending Behavior

Psychodynamic theory has also been used to explain criminal behavior, particularly in forensic psychology:

• An over-harsh superego might lead a person to commit crimes to satisfy an unconscious need for punishment, rooted in guilt or internalized shame from childhood.

• John Bowlby’s research on maternal deprivation showed that lack of attachment in early years could lead to affectionless psychopathy – a lack of empathy and remorse seen in some offenders.

Psychodynamic Therapy

1. What is it and how does it work?

Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment based on the idea that unconscious conflicts, often stemming from early childhood experiences, influence present-day emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

It aims to uncover these hidden influences to promote self-awareness, emotional insight, and long-term psychological change.

Unlike cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors directly, psychodynamic therapy explores the underlying emotional roots of psychological difficulties.

The client and therapist work together to identify recurring patterns, unresolved conflicts, and defense mechanisms that may be interfering with daily life and relationships.

2. Who Is Psychodynamic Therapy For?

Psychodynamic therapy is particularly helpful for individuals who experience recurring emotional or relational problems that do not have a clear external cause.

It is well-suited for those who want to gain deeper insight into themselves, rather than just manage symptoms.

Who needs psychodynamic therapy?

Those who:

• Struggle with long-standing emotional difficulties

• Experience repetitive patterns in relationships or behavior

• Feel emotionally stuck, conflicted, or disconnected from their sense of self

• Are curious about the “why” behind their emotions and actions

Psychodynamic therapy is ideal for individuals who are not just seeking symptom relief, but want to understand themselves more deeply.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A good candidate typically:

• Has emotional stability and the ability to attend regular sessions

• Is open to self-exploration and examining painful memories or feelings

• Can form and maintain a working relationship with the therapist

• Is willing to commit time and effort to the therapy process

Clients motivated to understand their inner life, rather than those seeking quick fixes, tend to benefit most.

Best-suited conditions

Psychodynamic therapy is most effective for:

• Depression (especially when linked to loss, guilt, or identity issues)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Panic disorder

• Personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder)

• Chronic relationship problems

• Low self-esteem and emotional regulation difficulties

It is also used in psychodynamic couple’s therapy to help partners understand unconscious patterns in their relationship.

It is not ideal for:

• Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features

• Clients with severe cognitive impairments or poor reality testing

• Individuals requiring crisis intervention or short-term symptom management only

In these cases, a combination of medication and structured therapies (like CBT or DBT) may be more appropriate.

3. Core Goals and Techniques

Psychodynamic therapy uses a range of techniques to explore the unconscious and bring insight into the client’s inner world:

• Free Association: The client speaks freely without censorship. This helps uncover unconscious material by observing recurring themes, slips of the tongue, or emotionally charged topics.

• Dream Analysis: Dreams are seen as symbolic expressions of the unconscious. The therapist helps the client explore their dreams to reveal hidden conflicts or desires.

• Transference: Clients often project feelings about significant people (e.g., parents) onto the therapist. Understanding this dynamic can uncover unresolved emotional issues.

• Interpretation: The therapist helps the client understand the meaning behind behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that may seem confusing or contradictory.

• Resistance: Any hesitations or avoidance during therapy are explored as potential signs of deeper unconscious conflict.

4. What are the 5 Core Elements of Psychodynamic Therapy?

1. Exploration of Emotion: Helping clients identify and express difficult feelings they may not fully understand.

2. Recognition of Avoidance: Identifying defense mechanisms like denial, repression, or projection that block emotional insight.

3. Focus on Patterns: Recognizing recurring themes in behavior and relationships that may originate in early life.

4. Understanding Past Experiences: Exploring how childhood relationships and traumas still affect the client’s current emotional life.

5. Use of the Therapeutic Relationship: The therapist-client interaction is used to highlight emotional dynamics and relational patterns that exist in the client’s other relationships.

5. How Long Does Psychodynamic Therapy Take?

• Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy (STPP) typically lasts 12–24 sessions and focuses on one core issue.

• Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy can continue for months or years, especially when working with complex emotional issues, personality disorders, or long-standing behavioral patterns.

Therapy length depends on the client’s needs, personal history, goals, and the severity of their difficulties.

6. What Is the Success Rate of Psychodynamic Therapy?

Research indicates that psychodynamic therapy can be as effective as CBT for many conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. A 2010 meta-analysis by Jonathan Shedler found that:

• Clients often continue to improve after therapy ends, suggesting deeper and longer-lasting change.

• It is especially effective for people with complex emotional and relational problems that may not respond well to symptom-focused approaches.

However, its effectiveness may be lower in clients who:

• Have difficulty reflecting on their inner world

• Lack motivation or emotional stability

• Require immediate symptom relief or behavioral strategies

Psychodynamic vs Psychoanalytic

Both psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories originate from the ideas of Sigmund Freud, but they have different applications and emphases.

Psychoanalysis, originating from Freud, is lengthy, intensive, and rarely practiced in its original form today due to practical constraints.

However, its core concepts – like unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and defense mechanisms – have profoundly influenced various modern therapeutic approaches.

• Short-term psychodynamic therapy maintains the psychoanalytic emphasis on unconscious motives and emotional conflicts, but in a briefer, structured format.

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) incorporates psychoanalytic ideas by exploring how unconscious patterns influence current relationships.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), although very different, occasionally borrows psychoanalytic ideas, such as exploring deeper-rooted beliefs originating from past experiences or unconscious schemas affecting behavior.

Thus, classical psychoanalysis’s principles persist indirectly within contemporary therapeutic methods.