AC 1.1. Evaluate the emergence of psychoanalysis and the post-Freudian evolution of psychodynamic approach.

1) Assignment title: Psychoanalysis and Mental Health

Scenario

You work as a Health Psychologist for a Small and Medium Enterprise in the care sector. The purpose of your role is to help people deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness as well as supporting people who are chronically ill. For example advising people to improve their health or looking at ways on how best to encourage positive behaviours or reduce negative behaviour. Overall your role is to assess and treat clients with a range of mental or physical health issues, conditions and disorders. To meet assessment of this unit, you are required to write a report based on following the given tasks to reflect your understanding, knowledge and skills.

Task 1 Understand the complex history of the development of psychodynamic approach as a theory and therapy.

AC 1.1. Evaluate the emergence of psychoanalysis and the post-Freudian evolution of psychodynamic approach.

AC 1.2. Locate the causes of distress through psychodynamic perspective.

AC 1.3. Determine the goal and application of psychoanalytic therapy.

1000 words

Task 2 Understand counselling interventions based on psychoanalytic theory.

AC 2.1. Analyse therapy and the skills of an effective therapist.

AC 2.2. Determine the circumstances of counselling intervention.

1000 words

Task 3 Understand psychoanalysis with an emphasis on the psychoanalytic techniques used in therapy.

AC 3.1. Distinguish between various psychoanalytic techniques.

AC 3.2. Identify the use of each psychoanalytic technique in different circumstances.

AC 3.3. Apply psychoanalytic theory to determine which psychoanalytic technique may prove helpful to resolve problems.

1000 words

Sample Answer - Do Not Copy

Introduction

The psychodynamic approach has played a significant role in understanding human behaviour, emotions, and mental health conditions. As a Health Psychologist in a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) within the care sector, it is crucial to explore the historical evolution of this approach and how it can be applied to help individuals cope with psychological distress. This report evaluates the emergence of psychoanalysis and its evolution, examines the psychodynamic perspective on distress, and determines the goals and application of psychoanalytic therapy.

AC 1.1: The Emergence of Psychoanalysis and the Post-Freudian Evolution of the Psychodynamic Approach

Psychoanalysis was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Sigmund Freud, who proposed that unconscious conflicts, often rooted in childhood experiences, shape personality and behaviour. Freud’s topographical model of the mind divided it into three levels: the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. He further developed the structural model, which consists of the id (instinctual drives), ego (rational self), and superego (moral conscience).

Freud introduced techniques such as free association and dream analysis to uncover unconscious conflicts. His work laid the foundation for the psychodynamic approach, which has since evolved beyond classical psychoanalysis. Post-Freudian theorists expanded and refined the approach, addressing some of Freud’s limitations and incorporating new insights.

Carl Jung introduced analytical psychology, diverging from Freud’s emphasis on sexuality by proposing the collective unconscious, a shared repository of archetypes influencing human behaviour. Alfred Adler, on the other hand, focused on the role of social factors and the concept of inferiority complex in shaping personality. Erik Erikson expanded psychodynamic theory with his psychosocial development stages, emphasising lifelong personality development rather than Freud’s childhood-focused model.

Object relations theory, developed by Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott, and others, shifted the focus to early relationships with caregivers and their influence on emotional development. More recently, psychodynamic therapy has integrated contemporary psychological research, including attachment theory, neuroscience, and relational psychoanalysis, making it more applicable to modern psychological practice.

AC 1.2: Locating the Causes of Distress through a Psychodynamic Perspective

From a psychodynamic perspective, psychological distress arises from unresolved unconscious conflicts, often originating in childhood experiences. According to Freud, early relationships with primary caregivers shape an individual’s personality and coping mechanisms. Repressed emotions and memories, if not addressed, may manifest in mental health disorders, maladaptive behaviours, or physical symptoms.

One key concept is defence mechanisms, unconscious strategies the ego employs to manage anxiety and conflict. These include repression (blocking distressing memories), denial (refusing to acknowledge reality), projection (attributing one’s feelings to others), and displacement (redirecting emotions to a safer target). If overused, these mechanisms can lead to distress and dysfunctional behaviour.

Attachment theory, influenced by psychodynamic principles, explains how early attachment patterns impact emotional well-being. Secure attachment leads to healthy relationships, whereas insecure attachment (anxious, avoidant, or disorganised) can contribute to anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties.

As a Health Psychologist, understanding these underlying causes is vital for supporting individuals dealing with chronic illnesses or psychological distress. By exploring their past experiences and unconscious conflicts, clients can gain insight into their struggles, leading to improved emotional well-being.

AC 1.3: Goal and Application of Psychoanalytic Therapy

Psychoanalytic therapy aims to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, facilitating emotional insight and psychological healing. The primary goals include:

• Bringing unconscious material into consciousness: Clients become aware of hidden conflicts affecting their thoughts and behaviours.
• Resolving childhood traumas and past experiences: Therapy helps process unresolved emotions and establish healthier coping mechanisms.
• Improving self-awareness and emotional regulation: Clients develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, reducing distress.
• Enhancing interpersonal relationships: By recognising past relational patterns, individuals can foster healthier connections.

Application of Psychoanalytic Therapy in Health Psychology

In the care sector, psychoanalytic therapy can be applied to various psychological and physical health issues:

1. Chronic Illness Management: Many individuals with chronic conditions experience psychological distress. By addressing unconscious fears, guilt, or past traumas, therapy can improve their emotional resilience and coping strategies.

2. Anxiety and Depression: Clients struggling with anxiety or depression may have unresolved unconscious conflicts. Psychodynamic therapy helps them explore these issues, leading to symptom reduction and improved well-being.

3. Behaviour Change and Health Promotion: Encouraging positive health behaviours requires addressing underlying psychological barriers. For example, a client struggling with obesity may have emotional eating patterns rooted in childhood experiences. Understanding these influences can facilitate sustainable behavioural change.

4. Supporting Caregivers and Staff: Healthcare professionals often experience burnout and emotional strain. Psychoanalytic principles can help them process work-related stress, enhancing their ability to provide compassionate care.