The Psychodynamic and Humanistic Perspectives Applied to Anxiety - Assignment Example

? Applying psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives to anxiety BY YOU YOUR SCHOOL DATA HERE HERE Applying psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives to anxiety Description of methods There are significant differences between the psychodynamic and humanistic theories on treating anxiety disorders. Before being able to apply these techniques, it is necessary to define the methodology behind both approaches. Psychodynamics is a process of conducting lengthy oral interventions between therapist and patient in which the unconscious is explored, as well as the three personality structures of human behaviour (i.e. id, ego and superego) to uncover hidden thoughts and emotions that are driving maladjusted beliefs or behaviours. With specific application to anxiety, in which there is almost always the presence of defence mechanisms, psychodynamic practices identify elements of the collective unconscious to determine what factors have historically led to anxiety production. The essential foundations of psychodynamic theory work under the foundation of belief that most stable personality traits are developed in childhood, that most human thought is unconscious, and the stigmata of the self as measured against society guides social interactions (Morris & Maisto 2005). Humanistic application is a human-centred approach with a much more involved relationship between therapist and patient. The theory asserts “that the fundamental goodness of people and their striving toward higher levels of functioning” (Morris & Maisto, p.433). Carl Rogers is one of the most renowned supporters of humanistic psychology founded under belief in fulfilment of human emotions in order to avoid maladjusted behaviour. These include receipt of unconditional love from the social environment, positive peer regard, and ensuring that the conscious mind understands how to develop a positive self-concept related to their self-actualizing tendencies. Humanistic psychology attempts to instil positive emotional support to the patient and assist in behavioural modification that leads to anxiety symptoms. Application to anxiety Anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors both conscious and unconscious, usually involving defence mechanisms as an avoidance strategy within the patient. Anxiety is defined as “prolonged, vague and intense fears not attached to any particular objective, usually accompanied by neurosis, muscle tension, apprehensiveness about tomorrow, and sleeping difficulties” (Morris & Maisto, p.499). Because anxiety is both psychological and physiological, treatment requires cognitive-based and relaxation-based therapies, which is why psychodynamic and humanistic application both have advantages in reducing anxiety symptoms. In humanistic application, the goal is to establish relationships between the therapist and the patient as well as setting the foundation for well-adjusted social relationships between the patient and the external social environment. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one methodology that is often utilised in humanistic psychology, involving a series of steps to assist in reducing anxiety through stress reduction activities, building more assertiveness, or relaxation technique development (Oliver & Lewis 2009). The therapist essentially takes the role of mentor with the patient, guiding them on establishing behaviour against accepted social norms and attempts to instil unconditional love and respect throughout the process of therapy interventions. Contemporary humanistic psychologists recognise the fundamental motivations of human behaviour, including the need for affiliation and self-confidence development and utilise verbal interactions and instructional lessons that promote a better self-concept and congruence of thought related to the patient’s actual personal and social environment. They work together to help the patient adapt, recognise their anxiety sources, think with a more rational concept, and alter distorted incongruencies of cognitive processes (Hoyer, van der Heiden & Portman 2011). Psychodynamic theory is effective in reducing anxiety as, under Freud’s definition, it utilises free association to allow the patient to explore their historical experiences that might have led to anxiety. The psychic structures related to Freud’s interpretation involve recognising the nature of defence mechanisms in order to avoid unwanted conflicts within the patient’s mind (Sundberg 2001). A common defence mechanism shared by people suffering with anxiety is reaction formation, which is behaving in a way that is opposite what is actually being felt emotionally (Weiten & Lloyd 2005), generally as a means to satisfy what the patient believes is an appropriate response without divulging their anxiety symptoms. Free association and exploration of past experiences allows the therapist to provide insight to the patient about what is driving their unconscious or conscious personality as it pertains to anxious behaviours. The humanistic model assists in anxiety reduction through a life events inventory and developing effective coping strategies with an emphasis on positive self-concept development. This contrasts with the psychodynamic model that is more in-depth in terms of exploring the mind’s processes that are mediating thinking and feeling which leads to anxiety disorders. Freud’s concept has been modified by modern psychotherapists and is, perhaps, a bit outdated as it relates to the id, superego and ego constructs, however it still maintains positive value by allowing the patient to explore their life histories in order to get to the root of what is driving anxious and maladjusted behaviours. Where the humanistic model is based on empathy and genuineness as the social level (Rogers 2002), the psychodynamic approach builds maturity within the patient and focused on psychic health improvements through focused cognitive and environmental exploration. Critical analysis of humanistic approaches might suggest that this interaction does not fully explore the more profound historical experiences that have led to incongruence of attitude and emotion as psychodynamic approaches can. Humanistic psychology does not necessary negate these activities, however it essentially is about moving forward and gaining more positive self-concept in the proverbial here-and-now whilst psychodynamics remove the historical drivers in order to achieve well-adjusted adulthood and functioning. Conclusion Both psychological applications recognise that in order to reduce anxiety symptoms, the client must begin thinking rationally about their role with the self and the external social environment. Humanistic psychology, founded on the belief of human foundational motivational fulfilment, provides new opportunities to assist the patient in achieving self-esteem and finding belongingness in the social system. It differs significantly from psychodynamic approaches, as this focuses primarily on unconscious drivers and negates the emotional and empathetic relationship between patient and therapist to build wisdom and reliability of thought that is genuine and not constructed on a variety of defence mechanisms. Both approaches should be considered quality interventions for anxiety reduction. References Hoyer, J., van der Heiden, C. & Portman, M.E. (2011) Psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder, Psychiatric Annals 41(2), pp.87-94. Morris, C.G. & Maisto, A.A. (2005) Psychology: An Introduction, 12th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall. Oliver, P.J. & Lewis, L. (2009) Strike out stress, Occupational Health 61(6), pp.24-25. Rogers, C. (2002) On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. London: Suffolk. Sundberg, N. (2001) Clinical Psychology: Evolving Theory, Practice and Research, Prentice Hall. Weiten, W. & Lloyd, M. (2005) Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century, 7th ed. Thomson Wadsworth. Bibliography Crits-Cristoph, P. (2002) Psychodynamic-interpersonal treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 9(1), pp.81-84. (Online) Available at: http://www.personal.kent.edu/~dfresco/mindfulness/CPSP_crits-cristoph.pdf Reilly, P. & Shopshire, M. (2002) Anger management for substance abuse and mental health clients – a cognitive behavioural therapy manual, US Department of Health and Human Services. (Online) Available at: http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/pdfs/angers1.pdf Read More