Explain and Evaluate Psychodynamic and Humanistic Approaches - Assignment Example

There are the following categories in this approach: the psychoanalysis, analytical psychotherapy (named after Alfred Adler), Self Psychology (Heinz Kohut) and others (Brief Psychodynamic Therapy). Psychodynamic psychologists claim that human behavior is determined by three different parts of human psyche: id (biological drives), ego and superego. Unconscous is between the last two categories. Basically, the original theory of Sigmund Freud is that the main conflicts in human life were rooted in the human existence itself.

These processes exert influence on human behavior subconsciously. The main principle of psychodynamic approach is that unconscious helps people to be better aware of an individual’s needs and behavior. Therefore, human beings are able to follow the way conflicts influence our lives. Another approach of Alderian psychotherapy is directed on people’s ability to overcome their emotions and feelings. It is also possible to direct clients’ striving for the social sphere or another kind of a human activity.

Thus, people are able to change their behavior, correct their mistakes, behaviors and feelings. This approach of psychodynamics is based on a constant encouragement of individuals to reach confidence; a feeling of self-protection and self-enhancement and thus they would be able to make essential social contributions. Carl Jung is another representative of psychodynamic approach. His ideas are based on the important role of unconscious in the life of an individual, though he broadened his vision and added issues of mythology, concepts of culture etc.

Thus, in accordance with the ideas of Jung, an individual has to achieve harmony of conscious and unconscious. Psychopathology developed by Heinz Kohut refers to the important role of childhood reminiscences in the life of an individual. The formation of a conscious self occurs in the process of projection of childhood’s reminiscences in the adulthood. Real life application of the theory It should be noted that in the real life this approach is applicable for any individual and this approach is considered to be rather effective.

Psychological pathologies and irrational behavior of a client may be effectively treated with the help of psychodynamic approach. Nevertheless, such drawbacks as a lack of individual’s reminiscences from his past may prevent success of the therapy. Research methods Methods of psychodynamic approach are often criticized. Psychologists usually interpret data that support evident facts. Moreover, methods lack objectivity, because can be interpreted in a different manner. Psychodynamic approach is based on theoretical constructs, which are hard to interpret (e.g. unconscious).

Still, the main advantage of this approach is its uniqueness in determining irrational human behavior. “Cure talking” of this approach is effective in irrelevant behavior correction (Chapter 7—Brief Psychodynamic Therapy). Humanistic approach in psychology Humanistic psychotherapy implies a wide range of various issues related to a patient, such as his mind, body and spirit. The main difference of this approach from other psychological approaches is making an emphasis on subjective meaning and focus on positive change and not on pathology.

Moreover, humanists underline the importance of subjective concerns in behavior of an individual. It also implies that each patient has his own abilities of self-healing. Abraham Maslow is the most important