Human beings are creatures of instinct, drives and complexes, vulnerable to the whims of conscious and unconscious forces, the dynamics of which significantly influence our level of psychological wellbeing.

Critically analyse the role of the dynamic unconscious in both personal and professional contexts, drawing on aspects of Freudian Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analytical Psychology.

• Introduction (500 words)

• Section 1 (Approx. 1000 words)

The dynamic unconscious

Freud’s contributions

Jung’s contributions

(briefly introducing and discussing a) the structure of the mind, b) the id, ego, super-ego, c) the drives and instincts, d) the psychosexual stages of development, e) role of defence mechanisms and f) psychoanalytic interventions.)

• Section 2 (Approx. 500 words)

Personal Integration (reflexive critique: how do unconscious processes impact my

life, awareness, personality…)

• Section 3 (Approx. 800 words)

Professional Integration (reflexive critique: how do unconscious processes impact

my role as therapist? How do they manifest in the clinical setting? Include brief,

concise, reflexive case examples where appropriate.

• Conclusion (500 words)

NOTES

Learning Outcomes, points to be discussed/analysed/raised in essay (in line with essay title)

1. Critically appraise a variety of psychoanalytic techniques for accessing the unconscious, including free association, parapraxis, dream work, and Interpretation.
2. Analyse the influence of transference and countertransference dynamics on the therapeutic relationship.
3. Critically evaluate the role of unconscious processes in their individual evolving counselling style.
4. Critique Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious, including the significance of Jung’s archetypes interpersonally and practically within client work.
5. Demonstrate a basic ability to work with a variety of psychoanalytic techniques, including: dream work techniques, free association, working with transference and countertransference.
6. Review the development of a personal style using the above techniques to explore and demonstrate approaches to working with resistance, defense mechanisms, repression, transference and countertransference and evaluate how this impacts on the counselling process.

Syllabus

• History and context of Psychodynamic approaches.
• The life and work of Freud.
• Development of theoretical concepts, techniques and approaches of Freud and Jung including: transference, countertransference, dreams, parapraxis, archetypes, personality structures, defence mechanisms.
• The dynamic unconscious.
• Psychosexual development.
• Introduction to Jung.
• Understanding of Jung’s Archetypes and Collective Unconscious.

Reading List/ Referencing

Core Texts

Casement, P. (1990). Further learning from the patient: The analytic space and process. UK: Routledge.

Freud, S. (1940/2013). An outline of psychoanalysis. UK: Read Books Ltd.

Higden, J. (2011). Psychodynamic theory for therapeutic practice (2nd Ed.). UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Jung, C. G. (1974). Dreams (R. F. C. Hull Trans.). London: Routledge Classics.

Recommended Reading

Coolidge, F. L. (2006). Dream interpretation as a psychotherapeutic technique. Oxon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

Eudell-Simmons, E. and Hilsenroth, M. J. (2005). A review of empirical research reporting four conceptual uses of dreams in psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 12, pp. 255-269.

Jacobs, M. (2010). Psychodynamic counselling in action. London: Sage.

Kahn, J. (2001). Between therapist and client. London: Freeman/Holt Paperbacks.

Malawista, K.L., Adelman, A. J. & Anderson, C. (2011). Wearing my Tutu to analysis and other stories: Learning psychodynamic concepts from life. New York: Columbia University Press.

Snowden, R. (2010). Freud: The key ideas. UK: Teach Yourself.

Snowden, R. (2010). Jung: The key ideas. UK: Teach Yourself.