Psychodynamic Concepts in Therapy Session
Watch the following video of a Psychodynamic therapy session:
https://video-alexanderstreet-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/watch/psychodynamic-therapy/clips?context=channel:counseling-and-therapy-in-videoLinks to an external site. (59 minutes)
Then, write a Discussion post in which you address the following:
Describe 1 example from the session of each of the following psychodynamic concepts (you may do a bullet point list):
Transference
Confrontation
Interpretation
What do you think went well in this session? What might you have approached differently? Provide 1 example of each (2 sentences)
How do you think issues of positionality impacted this session? Use at least 1 of this week's readings to describe your thoughts on the session and power and positionality. (2-3 sentences)
What questions do you have after watching this video? Was there anything you didn't understand, or an aspect of the session you had difficulty with? (1-2 questions)
Discussion Post: Psychodynamic Concepts in Therapy Session
In the video of the psychodynamic therapy session, several key psychodynamic concepts were evident. Here is an example of each concept observed during the session:
Transference:
The client expressed intense anger towards the therapist when discussing his relationship with his father. This anger seemed to be disproportionate to the current situation and reflected unresolved feelings from past experiences.
Confrontation:
The therapist confronted the client about his tendency to avoid discussing certain topics or diverting attention away from them. The therapist gently but directly pointed out this pattern and encouraged the client to explore the underlying reasons for his avoidance.
Interpretation:
The therapist offered an interpretation of the client’s dreams, connecting them to the client’s unconscious desires and conflicts. The therapist explored potential meanings behind the symbols in the dreams, helping the client gain insight into their deeper emotional significance.
What went well in this session was the therapist’s ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to explore his emotions. The therapist demonstrated empathy and active listening skills, which allowed the client to open up and share vulnerable experiences. One aspect that could have been approached differently is the pacing of the session. It seemed that at times, the therapist rushed through topics, which might have hindered a deeper exploration of certain issues.
Issues of positionality likely impacted this session, as the power dynamics between the therapist and client were present. The therapist held a position of authority and expertise, influencing the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. This power imbalance could have implications for how the client expressed himself and how certain topics were discussed. As highlighted in Rodriguez et al.’s (2018) article on power and positionality in therapy, it is essential for therapists to be aware of their own biases and privileges to ensure a more equitable therapeutic process.
Questions after watching the video:
How did the therapist navigate the power dynamics in the session? Were there instances where the power imbalance affected the client’s expression or participation?
How did the therapist handle cultural or social differences between themselves and the client, considering the influence of positionality on therapy outcomes?
Overall, watching this video provided valuable insights into the application of psychodynamic concepts in therapy and raised awareness about the impact of power and positionality on the therapeutic process.