Psychodynamic Therapy Process Paper

Words: 987
Pages: 4

How Change Occurs
Wolitzsky says that change occurs when a client’s adaptive functioning is increased, whereby symptoms are reduced and conflicts are resolved (as cited in Corey, 2013, p. 72). Success is achieved when therapy produces a significant modification of the client’s personality and character structure. Deep analyses into the past, unconscious material, and childhood experiences are crucial to develop a client’s self-understanding, which is required for a change in character to occur. Change also entails the client attaining insight, intellectual understanding, and the ability to experience the feelings and memories related to this self-understanding (Corey, 2013).
More than anything, it is the client’s readiness to change that is most important, outweighing even the accuracy of the therapist’s interpretations. Furthermore, to make therapy effective, the therapist must be wary not to push the client too rapidly and to make interpretations at appropriate times. For therapeutic change to occur, it is essential for the therapist and client to engage in the process of working through old patterns in a safe therapeutic environment. Working through involves repeating interpretations and analyzing different forms of resistance from the client, ultimately
…show more content…
Psychodynamic therapists remain alert to transference manifestations, analyze their clients’ dreams, examine the client’s past and present experiences, and are also concerned with unconscious material. Additionally, psychoanalytic psychotherapists engage in interventions such as showing support and remaining engaged, caring, and reliable. Contemporary analysts recognize the importance of the therapeutic relationship in producing change, and they use the relationship as a tool to foster a connection and encourage clients to become more open (Corey,