Foundations of Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the role of unconscious processes, early relationships, and patterns of relating in shaping present experience. Sound practice depends on understanding the model, core concepts, and therapeutic stance. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the psychodynamic model and its evolution, recognize core concepts including unconscious processes and defense mechanisms, identify the therapeutic stance, and understand the evidence base for psychodynamic approaches. What you will learn: - The historical development of psychodynamic theory from classical psychoanalysis to contemporary models - Core concepts including the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and conflict - Attachment theory and its integration with psychodynamic thinking - Transference and countertransference and their role in the therapeutic relationship - The therapeutic stance including attentive listening and interpretation - The arc of short-term and long-term psychodynamic therapy - The evidence base for psychodynamic approaches across common conditions The course uses readings, case examples, transcripts, and reflection questions. Each module ends with applied exercises. This course is written for mental health clinicians and trainees, counselors, and helping professionals. It does not replace supervised clinical training, licensure requirements, or specialty psychoanalytic training. By the end you will have a structured understanding of psychodynamic therapy as both a model and a therapeutic stance.