Psychodynamic vs Humanistic Approaches
Psychodynamic theory suggests you're controlled by unconscious sexual drives and biological instincts, but Freud's personality structure (id, ego, superego) takes a more holistic view of behaviour. Your childhood experiences during psychosexual stages shape who you become.
Psychoanalysis uses talking therapy, dream analysis, and hypnotherapy to explore the unconscious mind. However, it's often criticised as pseudoscience because the concepts can't be properly tested or falsified.
Humanistic psychology stands completely apart by insisting you have full free will and control over your behaviour. It takes a truly holistic approach, examining how you relate to yourself (congruence), others, and society as a whole.
Key Insight: Humanistic therapy puts you in the driver's seat - the therapist provides unconditional positive regard while you direct your own healing process.
Person-centred therapy focuses on removing the "conditions of worth" placed on you in childhood, helping you develop authentic self-acceptance. Unlike other approaches, humanistic psychology deliberately rejects scientific measurement, preferring to focus on your unique, subjective experience rather than creating universal laws.