Based on psychoanalytical theory, the course introduces key psychodynamic concepts and aspects of clinical practice. There is an element of self-reflection connecting to theory and practice. The course will include group discussion, listening skills exercises, and reading papers/articles, relating to the topics studied.
Psychodynamic counselling has its roots in the work of Freud, Klein and the object relations school of thought. Today the approach is home to multiple schools, with associated perspectives and practices. What is common to this way of conceptualising human development and experience? How do those who work in this way structure their practice in the effort to best understand and alleviate personal difficulties presented by others? How does the subjective experience of both helper and helped contribute for better or worse to the process? The course is designed to address these questions through active exploration of ideas, cultural context, examining our own subjective and objective responses.