Psychodynamic psychotherapy it focuses on detecting the unconscious processes that influence our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This method is particularly effective in the treatment of personality disorders, as it helps patients understand and transform deep-rooted relational and emotional patterns.
What does psychodynamic therapy look like in practice?
Example 1: Borderline personality disorder
Problem: Martha, a 34-year-old woman, experiences strong emotions, fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships. He often has extreme emotional reactions and problems with self-harm.
Therapy: A therapist helps Marcy discover that her fears and emotional reactions go back to her childhood, when she felt that her parents were neglecting her. Through conversations and analysis of early experiences, Martha begins to better understand her emotions and gradually learns to build more stable relationships.
Example 2: Narcissistic personality disorder
Problem: Peter, a 45-year-old man, has a hard time accepting criticism and often feels better than others. His need for recognition hides a deep sense of inferiority.
Therapy: The therapist helps Peter determine that his behavior is related to a lack of attention and support in childhood. Working through this experience, Peter develops a more authentic sense of self-worth and learns to accept himself without the need for constant recognition.
Example 3: Avoidant personality disorder
Problem: Anna, a 28-year-old woman, avoids close relationships for fear of being rejected. She feels insecure in social relationships.
Therapy: The therapist works with Anna to understand that her fears of rejection are related to her childhood experience of being criticized by her peers. Through therapy, Anna begins to build self-confidence and discover new relationships.
Example 4: Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Problem: Jacob, a 32-year-old man, is prone to perfectionism and excessive control. He often feels anxious if things aren't done in a certain way.
Therapy: The therapist helps Jacob understand that his need for control is a defense mechanism against childhood fears when he felt powerless. Working on these feelings allows him to gradually reduce his compulsive behavior.
Example 5: Histrionic personality disorder
Problem: Eva, a 29-year-old woman, often dramatizes and tries to attract the attention of others. She feels unsatisfied and invisible without the attention of others.
Therapy: The therapist discovers that Eva's behavior is related to a lack of attention in childhood, when she had to fight for the attention of her parents. Through therapy, Eva begins to understand her needs and learns to express herself more authentically, without the need for dramatization.
Resume
A psychodynamic approach to treating personality disorders involves a deep understanding of the unconscious processes that influence our behavior. By analyzing early experiences and internal conflicts, patients can achieve greater emotional stability and better mental functioning. This therapy, although demanding and lengthy, can lead to permanent and significant changes in patients ' lives.
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