Psychodynamic Theories Essay. 1
Cecillia Williams
PCN- 107
Psychodynamic Theories Reflection
Psychodynamic theories of personality consist of theories that approach human
functioning that formulate the internal dynamics that motivate a person, stemming from the
conscious and unconscious mind. Founded from published writings by Sigmund Freud beginning
in 1856, psychodynamic approaches to the cognition of humans thus created the path to
uncharted territory with the psyche for additional theorists to pursue (Corey, 2017). Although the
three fundamental psychodynamic approaches vary significantly when considering the view of
human nature and their therapeutic techniques, they do segment mutual elements; these theories
include psychoanalysis, analytical, and individual psychology.
To better understand effective ways of communicating within consciousness, it is vital to
comprehend and utilize the variety of psychodynamic theories. One who is disciplined in the
variety of psychodynamic approaches can make an experienced and educational discernment of
the different approaches when interacting with others in a therapeutic setting. Not all individuals
and situations are in a similar fashion, therefore it is vitally essential to have an instructive
foundation of theorems, that set-in motion a range of systematic approaches when facing a
spectrum of conditions. One who practices psychodynamic approaches without extensive studies
and theorem-based education contains a limited amount of effectiveness in which to aid another
individual within their psychotherapy repertoire. Having a thorough comprehension of the
psychoanalysis, analytical, and individual psychology theories when considering human nature
This study source was downloaded by 100000848900824 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2022 03:04:30 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31971805/Psychodynamic-Theories-Essaydocx/
, Psychodynamic Theories Essay. 2
and therapeutic methods, allows for effective approaches to the uniqueness and vast diversity of
the mind.
Psychoanalysis
The science of psychoanalysis created by Sigmund Freud laid the foundation for all
realms of psychology and personality philosophy, even permanently altering the way human
nature is perceived (On the Nature of Humans, 2010). Psychoanalysis can be described as the
study of human behaviors driven by unconscious provocations, illogical forces, and biological
and primitive desires conditioned from the first six years of existence (Corey, 2017).
According to Freud’s theory, the basis of the psyche contains three mechanisms the id,
the ego, and the super ego. The id is the primary component of the mind that stems from birth
functioning by the pleasure principle (the avoidance of pain and the gaining of pleasure). This
primary function of the mind is the instinctual mechanism that consists of everything biological.
Any impulses that are part of the unconscious intellect, according to Freud are directly correlated
with the id (Corey, 2017). The ego is the decision-maker of the personality. Ego is the reasoner,
often regulating between instincts and social norms or protocol. Superego is the moral guide to
personality, depicts the “right and wrong” of situations, and constantly postpones instant
gratification with justifiable realities.
One of the greatest and everlasting elements of Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis is the
mechanism of the unconscious psyche. The unconscious component of the mind cannot be
directly examined but can be identified by an individual’s behaviors. To understand and study
this hidden aspect of the mind the analysis of an individual’s dreams, posthypnotic suggestions,
projective techniques, psychotic symptoms, forgetful tendencies are key to unlocking the
This study source was downloaded by 100000848900824 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2022 03:04:30 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31971805/Psychodynamic-Theories-Essaydocx/
Cecillia Williams
PCN- 107
Psychodynamic Theories Reflection
Psychodynamic theories of personality consist of theories that approach human
functioning that formulate the internal dynamics that motivate a person, stemming from the
conscious and unconscious mind. Founded from published writings by Sigmund Freud beginning
in 1856, psychodynamic approaches to the cognition of humans thus created the path to
uncharted territory with the psyche for additional theorists to pursue (Corey, 2017). Although the
three fundamental psychodynamic approaches vary significantly when considering the view of
human nature and their therapeutic techniques, they do segment mutual elements; these theories
include psychoanalysis, analytical, and individual psychology.
To better understand effective ways of communicating within consciousness, it is vital to
comprehend and utilize the variety of psychodynamic theories. One who is disciplined in the
variety of psychodynamic approaches can make an experienced and educational discernment of
the different approaches when interacting with others in a therapeutic setting. Not all individuals
and situations are in a similar fashion, therefore it is vitally essential to have an instructive
foundation of theorems, that set-in motion a range of systematic approaches when facing a
spectrum of conditions. One who practices psychodynamic approaches without extensive studies
and theorem-based education contains a limited amount of effectiveness in which to aid another
individual within their psychotherapy repertoire. Having a thorough comprehension of the
psychoanalysis, analytical, and individual psychology theories when considering human nature
This study source was downloaded by 100000848900824 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2022 03:04:30 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31971805/Psychodynamic-Theories-Essaydocx/
, Psychodynamic Theories Essay. 2
and therapeutic methods, allows for effective approaches to the uniqueness and vast diversity of
the mind.
Psychoanalysis
The science of psychoanalysis created by Sigmund Freud laid the foundation for all
realms of psychology and personality philosophy, even permanently altering the way human
nature is perceived (On the Nature of Humans, 2010). Psychoanalysis can be described as the
study of human behaviors driven by unconscious provocations, illogical forces, and biological
and primitive desires conditioned from the first six years of existence (Corey, 2017).
According to Freud’s theory, the basis of the psyche contains three mechanisms the id,
the ego, and the super ego. The id is the primary component of the mind that stems from birth
functioning by the pleasure principle (the avoidance of pain and the gaining of pleasure). This
primary function of the mind is the instinctual mechanism that consists of everything biological.
Any impulses that are part of the unconscious intellect, according to Freud are directly correlated
with the id (Corey, 2017). The ego is the decision-maker of the personality. Ego is the reasoner,
often regulating between instincts and social norms or protocol. Superego is the moral guide to
personality, depicts the “right and wrong” of situations, and constantly postpones instant
gratification with justifiable realities.
One of the greatest and everlasting elements of Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis is the
mechanism of the unconscious psyche. The unconscious component of the mind cannot be
directly examined but can be identified by an individual’s behaviors. To understand and study
this hidden aspect of the mind the analysis of an individual’s dreams, posthypnotic suggestions,
projective techniques, psychotic symptoms, forgetful tendencies are key to unlocking the
This study source was downloaded by 100000848900824 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2022 03:04:30 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31971805/Psychodynamic-Theories-Essaydocx/