What is the Difference Between Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies are both psychotherapeutic approaches that focus on the importance of unconscious psychological processes and childhood experiences. However, there are differences between the two:
- Founders: Psychoanalytic therapy is based solely on the teachings of Sigmund Freud, while psychodynamic therapy is based on the teachings of Freud and his followers, such as Jung, Adler, and Horney.
- Focus: Psychoanalysis primarily focuses on the unconscious, dreams, and psyche, while psychodynamics also considers the human personality, mind, and the effects of the outside world on the individual and current life problems.
- Frequency and Intensity: Psychoanalysis is typically more intense and time-consuming, with sessions occurring three to five times per week, while psychodynamic therapy usually takes place once or twice per week.
- Method: Traditional psychoanalysis is performed with the client lying on a couch, while psychodynamic therapy is often delivered face-to-face.
- Therapist Qualifications: Psychanalysts are certified in psychoanalysis, while psychodynamic therapists may not be certified psychoanalysts but have trained in psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy.
Despite these differences, both therapies share common goals, such as helping individuals gain insight, reclaim control of their lives, establish healthy relationships, and live a more balanced life.
Comparative Table: Psychoanalytic vs Psychodynamic
Here is a table highlighting the differences between psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies:
| Psychoanalytic Therapy | Psychodynamic Therapy |
|---|---|
| Developed by Sigmund Freud | Influenced by Freud's work but also includes other theories and methods |
| Focuses on the unconscious mind and dreams | Focuses on the human personality and mind, as well as the effects of the outside world on the individual and current life problems |
| More intensive treatment, often lasting years | Less intensive treatment, usually shorter in duration |
| Client typically lies on a couch during sessions | Client typically sits in a chair or on a couch during sessions |
| Therapist is usually a certified psychoanalyst | Therapist may not be a certified psychoanalyst but is trained in psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy |
| Emphasizes free association, transference, defense mechanisms, and interpretations | Emphasizes the therapist's field of observation and exploration of emotions and relationship patterns |
| Insight is critically important for success in therapy | Insight is important, but not the sole focus of therapy |
Both psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies share some common elements, such as the importance of early childhood experiences and unconscious processes. However, psychodynamic therapy is a broader approach that incorporates other theories and methods, while psychoanalytic therapy is more focused on the unconscious mind and dreams, and typically involves a more intensive treatment process.
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