This is an introductory course to key concepts in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. The overall objective of this module is for students to gain an understanding of the key concepts and clinical techniques of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Specific objectives of this therapy are to help residents:
Gain a brief historical overview of the development of psychodynamic theory and therapy
Understand the significance of unconscious motivation and appreciate its power.
Develop an appreciation of the internal world.
Develop a curiosity about the person as a whole.
Recognize that symptoms are complex and multi-determined.
Learn to recognize and pay attention to affect.
Understand the meaning and use of transference and countertransference and grasp its impact on treatment.
Recognize and use one's own emotional reactions as part of understanding the patient.
Recognize the impact both patients and therapists have on the other (i.e. mutual influence, two persons as opposed to a one-person psychology)
Learn to tolerate uncertainty.
Understand the concept of quiet relatedness in contrast to the pressure for urgent interventions or solutions.
Understand that psychodynamic psychotherapy is an ongoing process.
Gain exposure to the empirical research in this area.