Crafting an Effective Psychodynamic Therapy Strategy

Psychodynamic therapy, founded on Sigmund Freud’s early theories, has also integrated insights from other influential figures such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Anna Freud, Erik Erikson, Wilhelm Reich, Heinz Kohut, and Melanie Klein. Continue reading to discover how to create a treatment plan for Psychodynamic Therapy, including an example featuring components to include in your plan.

Typically, psychodynamic therapy is a long-term treatment method aimed at delving into a client’s unconscious. This exploration helps uncover how unrecognized thoughts, wishes, and past experiences influence present actions. It often covers unresolved conflicts as well. Such therapy may span multiple years, which is an important consideration when discussing this option with clients.

Explore our collection of Psychodynamic Therapy Worksheets

This approach can be effective for various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, psychosomatic disorders, certain personality disorders, panic disorders, eating disorders, and chronic illnesses.

Establishing Goals and Objectives in Your Psychodynamic Therapy Treatment Plan

Initially, it’s crucial to make sure your client is aware of psychodynamic therapy’s long-term commitment. Some clients might hesitate about engaging in a lengthy treatment process or have concerns due to session limits imposed by their insurance. Before you start formulating your treatment plan, take the time to review any documentation you’ve gathered about your clients, such as referral documents, self-reports, and intake assessments.

TherapyByPro provides valuable resources for mental health practitioners, including a selection of worksheets that can be utilized in individual or group therapy sessions. Reviewing these resources can assist in generating ideas for integrating these tools into your therapy goals. Consider incorporating examples of psychodynamic therapy worksheets into your plan.

Components of a Psychodynamic Therapy Treatment Plan + Example

We’ll focus on drafting a treatment plan for psychodynamic therapy, guided by the customizable treatment plans available through TherapyByPro. Familiarizing yourself with their therapeutic worksheets can also enhance your treatment plan. Stay tuned as we discuss a hypothetical case study about John.

John’s Case:

John is a 34-year-old software engineer seeking help for depression. His intake forms revealed that he began experiencing depressive symptoms a year ago, affecting him nearly every day. He described feelings of low mood, lack of interest in hobbies, trouble focusing, and persistent feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Furthermore, John’s low self-esteem has led to social isolation, and he believes that his sleep issues have worsened his condition.

John expressed he did not have a nurturing childhood and that his relationship with his parents fluctuated. They would celebrate his achievements but often made him feel invisible otherwise. He noted that his mother leaned on him emotionally, which made it hard for him to seek support during tough times. Although he has had serious relationships, he struggles to provide the emotional closeness that his partners desire.

At work, John feels stagnant, having missed out on two promotions to colleagues he considers less qualified. This has generated bitterness, reducing his motivation to participate in social events with coworkers. He denies having suicidal thoughts and has never pursued mental health assistance before. His primary care physician suggested therapy after discussing his mood challenges during a recent check-up.

Agencies Involved and Care Coordination Plans

In this scenario, coordinating care with his primary care physician, the referral source, would be prudent. Ensure you have obtained the necessary consent for contact before proceeding.

Example for John:

Care Coordination: Dr. Smith, Primary Care Physician (123)456-7890

Clinical Diagnoses

The data gathered indicates that John is dealing with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Supporting elements for this diagnosis include loss of interest in activities, sleep issues, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and concentration difficulties. His symptoms are not attributed to other mental health conditions or substance use.

Examples for John:

Clinical Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate 296.32

Current Medications and Reactions

John has not yet pursued treatment for his mental health issues. Thus, it would be advisable to refer him for a psychological evaluation to discuss potential medications to help alleviate his symptoms. If medication is initiated, you can update this section of the psychodynamic therapy treatment plan accordingly.

Example for John:

Current Medications: None at this moment

Identifying the Presenting Issue and Symptoms

The presenting problem segment of your psychodynamic therapy treatment plan enables you to create a conceptual understanding that backs your clinical diagnosis and the treatment goals you’re going to set. This part should support the objectives that will be outlined in the subsequent section of your treatment plan along with your psychodynamic therapy methods.

Example for John:

Presenting Problem: John is a 34-year-old male diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. He reports ongoing low mood, decreased interest in things he once enjoyed, fatigue, early morning waking, trouble concentrating, feelings of unworthiness, and social withdrawal. These symptoms started emerging a year ago and have led to considerable distress in both his work and personal life.