Depth Psychology
Introduction
Depth psychology was derived
from the German term Tiefenpsychologie. It was referred to by Eugen Bleuler as a
reference to psychoanalytic approach to therapies that investigate the
unconscious mind. Theories were further
developed by the famous psychiatrists known as Sigmund Freud, Pierre Janet,
C.G. Jung, and William James. The
process of depth psychology began to explore not only the conscious mind, but
also the unconscious and the relationship between the two. The term depth is what is under the surface
of the human mind. It takes into
consideration conflict, relationship, behaviors, dynamics of family, dreaming,
and social interactions. Depth psychology
has developed in to a process of listening to not only what is said, but what
is left unsaid and usually involves a deep thought process for the patient, but also for the therapist.
Goals of Depth Psychology
Depth psychology invites
people the opportunity to expand their mind.
Instead of pushing emotions down or becoming numb, depth psychology
pushes them to allow the emotions to be felt - to truly go through the pain, grief, or any other emotion without trying to convince anyone that all is fine when it isn't.
When losses occur one has to learn how to fully grieve them instead of
seeking out a substitute place to funnel the feelings. With
this type of approach, the psychiatrist or psychologist can have the
opportunity to fully understand their client and help them in the process of beginning
to heal fully. Depth psychology allows
the treatment to become solution-based and to have the answers fully emerge
from what is deep within the psyche as opposed to only touching the surface of what could be a bigger issue.
When is Depth Psychology used?
Depth psychology is used in
all kinds of treatments. When patients
repress emotions and are not dealing with situations that arise, depth
psychology helps them to dig deep to find relief from these repressed
emotions. People deal with things
differently from being diagnosed with a terminal illness to the loss of a loved
one, and they can push emotions deep inside their minds. Depth psychology helps patients learn how to
sort out and cope with certain types of emotions.
How Depth Psychology Works
Depth psychology focuses on
the individual and gives respect to their nature that is inherent and also what
is expected in the culture. When it
comes to the individual mind, concepts are not bound but instead extended to
see how the involvement of groups, individuals, and nations, the planet, and
cultures have an effect on the way humans interact. Depth psychology is designed to ask the deep
questions. It takes into account the
effects of culture, belief systems, and traditions. The primary focus is on the growth of the
human psyche and what is important to conscious awareness.
For many people, depth
psychology is the ability to have a holistic view of the person. It takes into account all aspects of
psychology and the implications of what is deep within and what is current for
the individual. This type of psychology
encourages individuals to be one with the pain.
To accept it as part of what happens in life; by understanding it, one can
also learn how to deal with it. The
patient can learn how to truly empathize and to not create these pathologies; to
be truly conscious of what they are doing and how to not be judgmental or
standoffish. It teaches one how not to
make excuses and to focus on growth and the proper well-being of the mind. For some, it may mean to reach out into the
unknown and to live a little more of a faith-driven life.
Criticisms of Depth Psychology
There is not a lot of
criticism on depth psychology at the present time. Depth psychology is not its own branch but
rather a way to treat disorders of a mental nature by delving into the motives
that are deep within the human mind.
Experts in the field discover more and more ways to heal the human mind
everyday. To gain entry into the deep
recesses of the human mind, one must understand the behavioral and cognitive
processes. This aids in the way that
therapies are carried out. Without
understanding, many psychologist and psychiatrists believe there cannot be true
growth and achievement of the mind, body, and spirit. It is vital to a person’s mental success to
work hard and learn coping skills so they can move forward and not get stuck in
a negative pattern.
References
Sardello, Robert. 2001. Love
and the World: A Guide to Conscious Soul Practice. Lindisfarne Books.
Moore, Thomas. 1994. A
Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. Harper
Paperback Books.
Help Us Improve This Article
Did you find an inaccuracy? We work hard to provide accurate and scientifically reliable information. If you have found an error of any kind, please let us know by sending an email to contact@theravive.com, please reference the article title and the issue you found.
Share Therapedia With Others