Psychodynamic Openness

Sigmund Freud was deemed the father of psychoanalysis. His use of psychoanalytic theories and techniques laid a sturdy foundation for the development of other psychotherapy models. Freud’s approach was focused more on the unconscious where impulses and wishes are split off from awareness (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). His goal was to make the unconscious conscious and help clients gain insight in order to have more control over their lives. However, other humanist psychotherapists focused more on the here and now in helping clients devise solutions to existing problems. Humanistic therapies focus on an individual’s need for growth through accepting responsibilities and becoming aware. Currently, humanistic therapists are trained to

The use of congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy serves as a guide for therapists to value the client as a whole person while still instilling their own values. Client-centered therapists need to have congruence by being aware, real and genuine. By having this form of “relaxed openness”, the clients observe and are made aware that the therapist is not up to covert diagnostic judgments, therefore, leaving space for self-actualization (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). Client-centered therapists also practice warmth and appreciation in unconditional positive regard. This refers to being nonjudgmental of the client and accepting them as separate from their behavior (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). Lastly, therapists apply empathy by grasping the client’s expressions, meaning and narrative. This allows for the therapist to be absorbing in the attitude of the other by being within (Wedding & Corsini,

The approach works with the client’s awareness and mindfulness skills as opposed to interpreting their unconscious. Active methods and engagement are used to increase client’s awareness, freedom and self-direction (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). This approach includes the emphasis of holism and field theory; where humans are inherently self-regulating and growth oriented. It stresses the importance of how one’s context influences one’s experience.
The goal of gestalt therapy is to help the client focus their awareness. During therapy, an individual needs to own what he or she is doing, instead of just knowing. Nonetheless, the paradoxical theory of change states that the more someone tries to be who they are not, the more they stay the same (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). Notably, identifying with organismic self-regulation and being true to oneself leaves room for conscious awareness, growth and autonomy. If client’s are focused on the past or engaged in “futurizing”, it creates anxiety and is a drawback to personal