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psychodynamic_therapy [2026/02/09 19:26] – ahrppsychodynamic_therapy [2026/02/09 19:37] (current) – ahrp
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 +====== Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ======
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 Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that we suffer emotionally because of inner tension between different aspects of ourselves. On the one hand, we have powerful needs and impulses, and on the other hand we have rules to follow and expectations to live up to. The conflict comes when the “I” in the middle (You!) has to figure out some way of fulfilling its needs, but in a way that feels acceptable socially and morally. Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that we suffer emotionally because of inner tension between different aspects of ourselves. On the one hand, we have powerful needs and impulses, and on the other hand we have rules to follow and expectations to live up to. The conflict comes when the “I” in the middle (You!) has to figure out some way of fulfilling its needs, but in a way that feels acceptable socially and morally.
  
-====== Defense Mechanisms ======+===== Defense Mechanisms =====
  
 Anxiety, depression, paranoia, avoidance, procrastination, denial, rage, addiction (and so on…) all result from the I-in-the-middle (You!) feeling like it is totally overwhelmed and about to break down. In these moments, we reach for well-known thoughts and behaviours that we know will make the overwhelming thing go away. Anxiety, depression, paranoia, avoidance, procrastination, denial, rage, addiction (and so on…) all result from the I-in-the-middle (You!) feeling like it is totally overwhelmed and about to break down. In these moments, we reach for well-known thoughts and behaviours that we know will make the overwhelming thing go away.
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 For some people, this results in panic attacks, for some it might manifest in extreme lethargy and depression, and for yet others it comes exploding out in anger and/or impulsivity. The “symptoms” each person has depends on their life history, as well as the nature of the family and culture they grew up within. For some people, this results in panic attacks, for some it might manifest in extreme lethargy and depression, and for yet others it comes exploding out in anger and/or impulsivity. The “symptoms” each person has depends on their life history, as well as the nature of the family and culture they grew up within.
  
-==== Psychodynamic Goals ====+===== Psychodynamic Goals ===== 
  
 So, this is the purpose of psychodynamic therapy: So, this is the purpose of psychodynamic therapy: