Comparison of psychodynamic psychotherapy and person-centered psychologyThe counseling profession offers a wide spectrum of possibilities when it comes to choosing which psychological approach to adopt . The counseling field takes many forms and offers many career options, from school counseling to marriage and family therapy. As there are many styles, it is important to be aware of the many approaches available. For my research, two psychological approaches, psychodynamic psychotherapy and person-centered psychology, will be critically analyzed and discussed in depth in order to compare the techniques as well as the effectiveness of each. Foundations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Psychoanalytic psychotherapy was developed by Sigmund Freud in the Victorian era. in Vienna, Austria. The psychological works of Sigmund Freud laid the foundation for the profession of psychology as well as the practice of modern psychotherapy. Freud believed that human behavior was driven by an “intrapsychic conflict” arising from the three areas of the subconscious: the id, the ego, and the superego (Murdock, 2009). Freud's psychoanalytic approach to therapy had a more negative view of human nature than that of Carl Rogers. see. Freud believed that human dysfunction developed due to poor genetic makeup, as well as deficits (fixations) caused by missed stages of psychosexual development. In short, human conflict is the result of struggles between the id (primary, instinctive drives), the ego (the role of the self in reality), and the superego (consciousness/criticism), manifested in the person's ego. As part of Freud's psychoanalytic approach, he believed that the human subconscious was the primary driver of human change and growth. Freud believed that human personality...... middle of paper ......positive consideration. On the other hand, person-centered therapy is suitable for most people who are open to client-centered treatment methods. Carl Rogers was a humanist individual who believed that everyone should be considered equal; therefore, this type of treatment could be used for men or women, heterosexuals or homosexuals, and individuals of all cultural backgrounds. Works Cited Baumgardner, SR and Crothers, MK (2009). Positive psychology. (1 ed., pp. 4-8). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice HalldeCarvalho, R.J. (1999). Otto Rank, the Rankian Circle of Philadelphia, and the Origins of Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Psychotherapy. History Of Psychology, 2(2), 132-148.Murdock, N.L. (2009). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: a case approach. (2 ed.). Merrill Berk, L.E. (2009). Child development. (8 ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc...