My Family Origin: Psychodynamic Model
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Abstract
Psychodynamic family therapy is centered on the theory of personality developed by Sigmund Freud. Freud believed that our feelings and behavior are critically influenced by our unconscious motives. The psychodynamic family therapy focuses on these unconscious process that portrays themselves in an individual (Gerson, 2009). In other words, psychodynamic family therapy enables the victim to be self-aware of self-aware and comprehend how past instances may influence their present life. Over the years, my family members have always struggled with substance abuse and based on the assumptions and argument of the personality theory and psychodynamic family therapy, I have come to realize that this could be since most of my family members do come from broken homes. As a result, due to these unresolved conflicts, it makes most of my relatives to abuse drugs so that they can ease their mind off their past troubles. For my family to overcome this tribulation of reliance on alcohol and grub abuse, talking to the victims would prove to be essential. Since most of them are not aware that most of their struggles are a result of some of the problems(broken homes and marriages) they have undergone during their childhood, which has made them have unresolved conflicts. The conversations will focus on both the good and bad memories. How did the client resonate with both his or her parents? Were they harsh or loving? The goal behind this is to unravel some of the conflicts and trauma that could be the root cause of their substance abuse problem. Having witnessed how broken homes can take a toll on someone’s behavior (personality), I can say that I have grown up appreciating the family bondage that puts us together. As a result, this would enable me to give a great assessment to most of my clients. However, I might end up being too trusting and this could affect my judgment as a future counselor or therapist.
Keywords: Psychodynamic family therapy, personality theory, trust, substance abuse.
My Family Origin: Psychodynamic Model
Section A
Psychodynamic family therapy is based on the theory of personality that was developed by Sigmund Freud. Freud’s theory operates on several assumptions. One is that our feelings and behavior are critically influenced by our unconscious motives. The psychodynamic family therapy focuses on these unconscious process that portrays themselves in an individual (Gerson, 2009). This form of therapy enables the client to be self-aware and comprehend how past instances may influence their present life. Freud believed that our unconscious feelings and thoughts could be moved to our conscious mind like in the form of parapraxes, also hugely known as Freudian slips (McLeod, 2017). Freud argued that one’s personality constitutes three parts, and this includes the id, ego, and superego. The id part consists of all the personality traits that are inherited and acquired at birth. On the other hand, the ego usually develops to arbitrate one’s personality amid the improbable and the outside authentic world (McLeod, 2017). Lastly, the superego constitutes the morals and values that one gain from the society and parents while growing up. The psychodynamic family therapy enables the client to assess unsolved battles and symptoms that result from his or her present life that influences his or her behavior.
Section B
My family constitutes of Turk ethnicity. One problem that many of my family members have always been struggling with has been substance abuse. Most of my cousins are from broken homes. My parents themselves are from broken homes and I usually see how their brothers and sisters have struggled with substance abuse. It is a miracle that my parents have managed to stand on their own and this might be because they became parents at an early age and had to own up to their responsibilities. On the other hand, my uncles, aunts, and cousins have been in and out of rehab for along time. Since the psychodynamic theory stresses the assumption that one’s personality behavior is influence by their childhood experience, I have realized that the reasoning behind most of my family members’ struggles with substance abuse could be because of their unresolved conflicts (broken homes and families) (McLeod, 2017). Due to these unresolved conflicts, it makes most of my relatives to abuse drugs so that they can ease their mind off their past troubles.
To treat this reliance on substance abuse, first of all, it will be talking to the affected individuals. Since they are not aware, the conversation aims to unravel some of the victim’s memories since childhood. The conversations will focus on both the good and bad memories. How did the client resonate with both his or her parents? Were they harsh or loving? The goal behind this is to unravel some of the conflicts and trauma that could be the cause of them relying on alcohol and substance abuse when struggling for them to justify their actions. Through this session, one will be able to see the pain that is the cause of their struggles in life. For this treatment to work, there are supposed to be at least three sessions a week and this could drag for a period of up to a year. The first goal is to earn the client’s trust, then enable them to open up. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal will be for the therapist not to advise the client on what they should do about their drinking but rather encourage them to delve into their psyche.
Section C
Having witnessed how broken homes can take a toll on someone’s behavior(personality), I can say that I have grown up appreciating the family bondage that puts us together. At the same time, I have realized that people always say they love others but they are not ready to declare it. I have always declared my love for my friends and family members. At times, some colleagues may feel empty but through us showing and declaring our love to them, it makes them complete.
In relating to Freud’s three parts of personality trait. I have lived with the part of the superego (Reiner, 2019). It is through these experiences that I have managed to remodify myself and evolve into a responsible and ethical individual I am today. The love that my parents have given me while growing up, I have not taken it for granted and nowadays I tend to appreciate those who are around. Besides, they always say the precious things in our lives are those that are around us and are not expensive. Happiness is found in the ordinary things that we enjoy, for instance, good health and a loving family.
Section D
Having been raised to have an open heart and loving as well as not being judgmental it will enable me to be a keen listener. As a result, this would enable me to give a great assessment to most of my clients. However due to my openness and loving nature I might struggle with emotional attachment. Therapists are required not to be attached emotionally since this could impair their judgment or their assessment. I am also too trusting and if I find clients who are not able to open up too much and are intelligent they might be able to convince me with their stories easily. This is the aspect of my life as a counselor, I would have to work on if I want to be a great counselor in the future.
References
Gerson, M. J. (2009). The embedded self: An integrative psychodynamic and systemic perspective on couples and family therapy. Taylor & Francis.
McLeod, S. A. (2017). Psychodynamic approach. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/psychodynamic.html
Reiner P. (2019) Training Psychodynamic Family Therapists. In: Lebow J.L., Chambers A.L., Breunlin D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therap