Based originally on the clinical and theoretical work of Sigmund Freud, Psychodynamic therapy has a long therapeutic tradition in psychiatry and psychology, dating back to before 1900. Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theories point to hidden or forgotten conflicts based on early experiences as the reason for psychological problems. Treatment involves several techniques which allow the therapist to observe hints of these forgotten conflicts and to pursue those hints to help you uncover the true problem.
Free association is a technique which is often portrayed on television and in movies.
It involves you and your therapist allowing you to provide the topic of discussion by talking about whatever is on your mind at the time without evaluating it or questioning its logic. This is a way of allowing the unconscious part of your mind to express themes of importance to your self-improvement. These topics may be about yourself, others, or important news events about what is happening in the world. It all has to be find a safe place in your self-space. The therapist s job in this technique is to identify the themes and to structure associations which appear especially relevant.