Psychodynamic Theory: Application and Justification in a Case Study

This paper explores the application and justification of psychodynamic theory in a case study involving a young man with behavioral issues and substance abuse. It discusses the key concepts of psychodynamic theory, such as unconscious motivation and early childhood experiences, and how they can be used to understand and address the root causes of the individual's behavior. The paper also highlights the relationship-centered nature of psychodynamic theory and its relevance in counseling and substance abuse treatment. Overall, psychodynamic theory offers valuable insights and strategies for addressing the complex psychological factors contributing to the individual's difficulties.

Running head: PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORY 1
Theories for Social Work Practice
NAME
UNIVERSITY/AFFILIATION
COURSE

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Introduction
Myles is 22 years old who lives together with his middle-aged parents, Bob and Cathleen.
Currently, he is jobless. While in high school, he developed unusual behaviors not limited to
drinking and sleeping most of the time. Also, he disobeyed his parents. Later, he dropped out of
school and decided to do an apprenticeship (automotive). However, things didn’t change as he
missed training some of the days. In addition to the training, he also missed work. He was
playing online games most of the time rather than being committed in his career. The situation
worsened as he lost his driving license due to drinking. However, his boss continued to support
him but his efforts were futile. Now, he depends his parents for financial support which has
increased conflicts as a result. He is complaining that his parents are treating him like a child by
monitoring every activity that he’s undertaking. In addition to cannabis, his parents have
suspected that he may also be using drugs that influence his behaviors as a result. The main aim
of this paper is to provide solution to the case study using psychodynamic theory.
Description of psychodynamic theory
Psychodynamic theory was developed by Sigmund Freud. It focuses on psychological
forces that influence human behavior and emotions (Colarusso & Nemiroff, 2013). Other than
psychological forces, it also describes conscious and unconscious motivation. Freud argued that
human beings are driven by instincts under normal circumstances. However, children try to
manage their instincts so that they can be accepted by their parents and society at large. Freud
believed that parents play vital roles in shaping their children’s personal development. He
suggested that sexual feelings are developed from early age (Zerbe, 2015). Psychodynamic
theory entails several assumptions such as primacy of the unconscious. In this assumption,
psychological processes does not depend on conscious awareness before taking place. Hence,

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mental activities such as motives and feelings take place independently of consciousness (Zerbe,
2015). Other than unconsciousness, psychodynamic theory also assumes that early experience is
very critical. In this assumption, Freud suggested that early childhood experience is an important
factor that determines not only dynamics, but also personal development (Deal, 2007).
In this theory, dreams play some important roles. Freud explained this using topographic
model. In this model, the mind can be subdivided into the following parts; conscious,
preconscious and unconscious (Klin & Jones, 2018). The conscious region holds the present
information such as feelings. On the other hand, preconscious region holds materials which can
become conscious. These materials can be moved into consciousness when an individual has
simply focused on them (Schore, 2012). Freud suggested that dreams link unconscious to the
conscious mind. He argued that unconscious region has resulted in a lot of misunderstanding
among the three regions as it contains materials that are related to anxiety such as sexual
impulses. An individual becomes uncomfortable due to these materials. However, these three
parts are still used widely in today’s research especially in the field of psychology.
Application of Psychodynamic Theory to the Case Study
Myles’ situation can be solved through guidance and counselling. His parents have failed
to counsel their son so that he can change his behaviors. Hence, it is necessary to seek help from
counselling professionals. However, psychodynamic theory need to be used in this case. Through
this theory, I would be able to identify and explain the root cause of Myles’ behavior explicitly.
Afterwards, I’ll guide Myles on some of the mechanisms that he could apply to cope with some
difficulties in life (Marmor, 2012). Also, I’ll be able to understand Myles’ childhood experiences
by not only interviewing him, but also his parents so that I can collect relevant information.
These experiences include emotional problems that Myles went through during childhood. These

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information will act as the basis in which I’ll develop an appropriate solution to the Myles’ case.
Besides, I’ll understand the effects of early childhood experience on Myles’ current thinking.
These thoughts lead to depression and fear.
In addition, I’ll understand the relationship between Myles’ and his parents as
psychodynamic theory is relationship-centered. Through counselling, Myles will understand the
effects of subconscious thoughts on his behavior (Levy, Meehan, Temes & Yeomans, 2012). I
will achieve this basing on his feelings and reactions. Some of the problems that Myles is
undergoing such as depression and drinking can be treated using psychodynamic approaches
successfully. To achieve Myles’ behavioral change, I’ll interact with him effectively so that I
advise him on strategies that can impact positively on his behaviors (Guntrip, 2018). However, I
can also consider applying psychodynamic theory indirectly. In this approach, I’ll allow Myles to
express his emotions freely. Thus, I’ll be able to observe and identify the main cause of his
unusual behaviors. However, there are some core principles that I’ll use such as free association,
which will play vital roles in understanding Myles’ problem (Marmor, 2012).
Justification of Psychodynamic Theory
There are several reasons why psychodynamic theory can be applied in the provided case
study. Firstly, Myles does most of the things unconsciously. This is because his characters are
influenced by cannabis. Other than cannabis, his parents have suspected that he uses other drugs.
Hence, he’s is not able to realize how his behaviors impact negatively on other people like his
parents and boss. Some of his unusual behaviors such as sleeping and arguing with his parents
are possibly as a result of drugs. Therefore, psychodynamic theory will enhance his self-
awareness (Busch, Milrod, Singer & Aronson, 2012). Still on self-awareness, he will also be able
to understand some of the effects of early childhood experience on his current feelings.

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In addition, this theory will also help Myles to analyze unresolved conflicts and
understand how they have contributed vastly towards his interest on drugs. Furthermore,
successful application of psychodynamic theory to related cases is also another possible reason
as to why it is the most preferred theory (Bornstein, Denckla & Chung, 2012). For instance, most
psychological disorders have been solved using this theory, hence the probability of being
successful is very high. In the provided case study, Myles’ parents are suspecting that he uses
other drugs. If that’s the case, then psychodynamic therapies will play vital roles in solving the
situation. This is because it is integrated in several treatment programs such as opioid-dependents
and drug counselling (Bornstein et al., 2012). Furthermore, psychodynamic theory is
relationship-centered. In the provided case study, there are high possibilities that relationship
between Myles and his parents has influenced his current thoughts. Other than his parents, his
relationship with his friends has also impacted negatively on his behaviors. Hence,
psychodynamic theory is appropriate for the provided case study.
Reflection on Application of Psychodynamic Theory
On my views, the application of psychodynamic theory in the case study will bore fruits.
I’ll involve not only Myles and his parents, but also other professional social workers. The
theory will help me to understand Myles’ early childhood experience that entails how his parents
treated him while he was still a child. Afterwards, I’ll be able to relate how these experiences
influence his present thoughts (Polianichko, 2013). Then, I’ll advise him accordingly on some of
the measures that he can take to change his behaviors. Other than early childhood experiences,
I’ll also investigate how he relate with his parents and friends. Regarding his relationship with
his parents, I’ll advise on some of the measures that he can undertake to reduce conflicts. On the
other hand, there are also some possibilities that peer pressure from his friends has impacted

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negatively on his behavior. In such a case, I’ll advise him to be wise while choosing friends.
There are different types of professional social workers not limited to substance abuse,
community, psychiatric, healthcare, family and palliative care social workers (Polianichko,
2013). These professionals carry out different roles and responsibilities. Hence, I’ll seek help
from them when the need arises by communicating with them effectively.
Application of Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic theory can be applied in the following areas:
 Therapeutic work: It helps social professionals to determine the effects of childhood
experience on children’s learning and their relationship with others (Lacewing, 2014).
 Counselling: It describes conscious and unconscious motivation. Hence, helping social
workers to advise their clients on how to manage their instincts and change their
behavior (Lacewing, 2014).
 Substance abuse treatment: It enables social professionals to understand the effects of
early childhood experience on their client, hence advising them accordingly Deal, 2007).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this paper has explained explicitly how psychodynamic theory can be
applied in the provided case study. The following are some of the reasons why psychodynamic
theory is appropriate in Myles’ case:
i. Myles does most of the things unaware. This is because his characters are influenced
by cannabis. Other than cannabis, his parents have suspected that he uses other drugs.
Psychodynamic theory will enhance Myles’ self-awareness as a result, hence it is
appropriate.

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ii. Psychodynamic theory is relationship-centered. In the provided case study, there are
high possibilities that relationship between Myles and his parents has influenced his
current thoughts.
In solving Myles’ situation, I’ll apply psychodynamic therapy. Hence, I’ll counsel Myles
accordingly. Firstly, I’ll determine the effects of early childhood experience on Myles’ current
thinking. Secondly, I’ll identify some of the situations that activate his stress response. To reduce
stress and inflammation, the following approaches are vital; regular exercises, mindfulness
meditation and good sleep hygiene. These activities will reduce stress, thus enhancing
neuroplasticity.

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