The Psychodynamic Approach: basics

(This blogpost is in bullet points and simplistic language in order to facilitate understanding of concepts. This post is only made for basic knowledge but requires for much deeper explanation of usage and significance. Author of post (me:p) only recommends the usage of this post to create a lesson framework and strongly urges for instructors to impose discussion upon each topic and demosntrations.)

The Psychodynamic approach originates from one of psychology's founding fathers: Sigmund Freud. He specialized in neuropsychology, which has to do with the nerves and the nervous system.  He had an interest in hysteria (which btw. originates from Gk. hustera meaning "womb" because, the ancient imbeciles used to associate it only with the female kind.) Back then hysteria was more of physical demonstration without an origin. Freud was a fervent believer in the role of the subconscious on human psychology and behavior. He developed psychoanalysis which was fundamentally a set of techniques for treating unconscious causes of mental issues or other disorders. His work was essentially influenced by his acquaintances and experience, such as Charcot (hypnotist) and the founder of the cathartic method (recalling traumatic events to soothe issues) Breuer. There are certain assumptions that certain psychologists may or may not agree with but are a part of psychodynamics.

1. There are the unconscious processes, which is an acceptance that significant influences on human behavior and personality come from an unconscious mind, of that we not directly aware of.

2. There is psychodynamic conflict, various parts of the unconscious minds are in dynamic conflict and the consequences of those conflicts are conflict to understand human personality and behavior.

3. There's emotional drive which is disputed and argued upon for various. Freud believed that behavior is motivated by sexual and aggressive drives. He also stipulated that this creates a psychic energy that will amass tension and anxiety is there isn't a way for it to be released (like sex, yelling, smashing things etc.) I actually agree with this but think it to be too precise as emotional drive in general is more accurate. A lot of behavior is caused by other feelings and emotions that are released in varying forms. Perhaps its true that the main emotions that guide human actions and conduct are sexuality and rage.

4. Perhaps my favorite assumption/belief in psychodynamics is development. This is just a statement that insists that personality is shaped by experience and relationships and conflicts endured throughout periods during adolescence and childhood.

Methods of Investigation:
Freud developed three major ways to proceed when psychoanalyzing an individual"

1. Dream Analysis. This is by for the method that Freud is most recognized for. Fundamentally, this procedure consists of utilizing a patient's recalling of dreams in order to comprehend fears, behavior and abnormality. The one performing the analysis is trained to understand the concealed significance of those fantasies/dreams.

2. Free association. Free association was a crucial constituent of successful analysis as it consisted of expressing emotions, thoughts and interpretations without inhibition, no matter how unorthodox or peculiar, embarrassing or pejorative.

3. The Case Study Method : this is quite basic and primarily requires a session with clients individually and profound analyzation of their interpretations, reactions and emotions. Analysts will likely specifically probe the individuals past (childhood, high school years, early traumatic events) and question/demand an explanation for certain ticks and responses in order to engage and further examine the patient. A big focus is always symbolism to interpret closeted significances.

Contribution to society and psychology in general:

- character evolution
-gender/ethical progress
-aggression and abnormal behavior
-memory/significance of fantasies
-mental symbolisms
- therapeutic treatment for mental disorders (uncovering)
-able to apply psychoanalysis to artwork and other compositions (literary etc.)

Strengths and Weaknesses (comparison of good and bad in linear form to encourage objectivity and discussion)

large impact on societal knowledge and analysis vs. vague concepts 
detailed collection of analysis vs. linked to unsuccessful therapies
enormous explanatory power vs. concepts hard to test and verify scientifically