Psychodynamic approach

Basic assumptions

➡unconscious processes, instincts and drives motivate our behaviour and energise the mind

➡childhood experiences determine adulthood personality

Psychosexual stages of development (trauma in any stage may result in being fixated upon it in adulthood, e.g. being fixated in the oral stage may result in pleasure being derived from smoking, drinking and eating)

▪Oral- 0-18 months- Infant’s pleasure is centred on the mouth

▪Anal- 18-36 months -Pleasure is acquired from retaining and expelling faeces

▪Phallic- 3-6 years -Focus on the genitals. Boys undergo the oedipus complex; girls, electra complex…