Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Assignment: Exploring Key Theories and Therapeutic Applications in Client Work

Summative Assignment

• Create a 4,000-word Digital Learning Pack which demonstrates a critical understanding of the advanced theoretical concepts explored during the module and their role within your work with clients to date, for example, splitting, self-psychology, attachment patterns, complex resistance.
• A digital learning pack refers to a comprehensive collection of digital resources, text materials, and creative elements designed to facilitate and enhance the learning experience of students, and to demonstrate their knowledge on a particular subject.
• It typically includes a combination of text, images, symbols, quotes and other multimedia components (links to audio/video excerpts).
• Students will use a Word document to create their learning pack, with digital and creative aspects included within it.
• Students should include a selection of visually attractive and relevant attributed or copyright free photos (including perhaps your own), images and symbols, as well as suggestions for further reading, articles from the media and other relevant resources, where relevant, to demonstrate engagement with the course material and readings, addressing the specific points outlined below.
• A digital learning pack is a form of authentic assessment influenced by the work of Sally Brown. She describes this assignment as enabling students to ‘undertake relevant information retrieval, management and presentation skills, enabling them to support an evidence based case.’ This is also line with PCI College’s commitment to integrating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles as the digital learning pack offers students multiple means of representation, expression and engagement, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive approach to assessment.
• The assignment must include an overview of the key theorists you have explored as part of this module and their contribution to the development of this theoretical approach.

Discuss the following key concepts:

• The evolution of psychoanalysis as developed by Klein
• The role of self-psychology in contemporary psychotherapy
• Attachment and therapeutic change
• The relevance of early childhood experiences in presenting issues
• The significance of transference/counter-transference in therapy
• Working with client defences by holding, and with empathy

Use research to explore the strengths and limitations of this approach. Your writing should be informed by your client work to date.