For much of the twentieth century, as talk treatment was growing and developing, Psychoanalysis was the most common and trusted approach. Rooted in the work of Freud, Klein, and Jung, this technique is characterized by an exploration of the patient’s subconscious in search of deep-seated, personality-shaping motivations, urges, events, and experiences. In recent decades, as there has been a trend toward treatments that aim to identify and alleviate specific symptoms such as Cognitive Behavioral Treatment and Interpersonal Treatment, the more global approach of Psychoanalysis has become increasingly rare since many psychologist are not adequately trained in Psychoanalysis. Another similar approach like Psychoanalysis, called Psychodynamic Treatment remains a powerfully modern tool for use in many treatment plans.
Dr. Blair is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is well-trained in conventional and modern therapeutic models as well as a variety of other techniques including but not limited to Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral treatment, Dialectical Behavioral treatment, Family Systems Interventions, Interpersonal treatment, Gestalt treatment, Crisis Intervention Techniques, and many other treatment modalities. At Blair Wellness Group, clients benefit from a customized treatment approach using a combination of therapeutic modalities to treat a variety of Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Addiction issues, Relationship challenges, and reduce or eliminate stress levels in daily living for our clients. We provide a highly unique, personalized treatment designed to meet individual needs with a comprehensive understanding of your past experiences, present circumstances, and future goals.
Deep Dive
Psychodynamic treatment is another core foundational treatment approach in the field of Psychology. A basic principle of Psychodynamic treatment is that much of our personalities are shaped by our unconscious: thoughts and emotions that exist below the threshold of our awareness. Although we can’t easily access our unconscious, it is largely responsible for the decisions we make, the relationships we are drawn to, and the mental health challenges we face on a daily basis. It stands to reason, then, that a more intimate understanding of the unconscious will lead to revelations that can help heal trauma, boost self-esteem, and improve the level of personal adjustment and daily functioning. Especially in the case of emotions that were once on the surface and have since been repressed into the unconscious, the process of diving deeply can be extremely healing and cathartic.
Tools and Techniques for Psychodynamic Treatment
Exploring childhood memories is an important feature of Psychodynamic treatment, because many lifelong thought patterns find their origin in early family relationships and other early experiences. You can expect a Psychodynamic session to include some discussion of family background, searching for the source of any recurring emotional difficulties or disorders. It is common for the psychologist to allow the patient to free-associate, meaning letting the patient lead the conversation in a loose style, saying whatever enters their conscious or subconscious mind with an effort to remove inhibition. The psychologist then interprets the stream of thoughts to discoveries about the psyche of the patient. For this reason, it is essential that the psychologist and the patient have strong rapport, total responsiveness by the patient, strong alliance, total transparency by the patient, strong therapeutic bond, a trusting relationship with a positive connection. In Psychodynamic treatment, the psychologist is guiding the patient to explore, retrieve, recover, and better understand their emotional landscape to make more meaningful connections.
Are Rorschach Tests Reliable?
A few other techniques that can be useful in Psychodynamic treatment include dream analysis and Rorschach inkblots. Both have been somewhat misrepresented or oversimplified in pop culture, but when used properly, they are modern, valid, useful therapeutic tools. A patient’s interpretation of an inkblot can provide important qualitative information about their preoccupations, and in the case of thinking disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar, patients who may typically respond differently to inkblots than those without these clinical disorders. Similarly, while a dream is unlikely to suddenly illuminate the history of a thought pattern, it can provide a jumping-off point for a session. All of these techniques, taken together, create a personal exploration that can lead to insight with proven efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, eating disorders, traumas, PTSD, among many other clinical diagnoses.
We’re Here For You
At Blair Wellness Group, we’re devoted to the treatment of your mental health and committed to your journey of self-discovery in the path toward healing. Taking the initial step by making a necessary commitment to address your psychological wellness can help you establish a deeper understanding of your strengths and struggles. A healthy, balanced life is achievable through intentional, intensive, interventions performed consistently, systematically, and methodically.
If you feel ready to make important changes in your life and seek quality psychological services, we are here to support and guide you through every step. Keep in mind, the continuous practice of self-care is a vital element in improving your mental health, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. The first step towards change starts with you.
