Psychodynamic therapy states that, in psychodynamic therapy, therapists aim to help patients get insight into past experiences as well as unaware subtleties. Meetings in psychodynamic therapy take place less often than with other therapies. (Myers, 2014) Psychodynamic theory focuses on more of the unconscious part of a person's personality. In the case I chose, Jeremy, who is 8 years old is considered to be struggling with ADHD. In this case with Jeremy being a child versus an adult psychodynamic therapy by itself would not benefit, however it could be used in a mixture with behavioral therapy and medication. Psychodynamic therapy is usually used to work with adults more than children. .
Behavioral therapy labels the current behavior as the problem and "fixes" it by replacing it with a newly learned behavior. Behavioral theory focuses on the "what" rather than the "how" and "why" in a person's behavior because the "what" can be observed. In Jeremy's case, the "what" would be considered what actions he is displaying (messy, disorganized, unfocused.) The techniques that may be used with Jeremy using the behavioral theory may vary. In my opinion the therapist might recommend a combination of behavioral therapy, with or without medications. In behavioral therapy they would focus on how to change his behaviors using behavioral modification or operant conditioning. The therapist could use positive reinforcement for the behavioral changes. .
Humanistic theory, focuses on the need to achieve to one's full potential. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, shows once one need is met we move on to another and another and so on until we reach the point of self-actualization and self-transcendence. "Humanistic therapists aim to boost people's self-fulfillment by helping them grow in self-awareness and self-acceptance." (Myers, 2014) Technique's that may be used in Jeremy's case using the humanistic theory could be client centered therapy using active listening and unconditional positive regard.
