ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses two sets of readers: those interested in learning more about psychodynamic psychotherapy, and analysts who are interested in teaching these clinicians about the psychodynamic approach to treatment. It outlines some of the topics worth covering in a psychodynamic psychotherapy curriculum, along with suggested reading that might be assigned to students wishing to learn more about psychodynamic techniques, often listed in footnote form. Sigmund Freud was relatively reluctant to write about the matter of technique, doing so sparingly and resisting earlier calls on the part of his colleagues that he do so sooner than later. The component parts of such treatments include, first and foremost, a belief in the influence of unconscious factors that might contribute to patient's grief, dissatisfaction with life, symptoms, self-defeating and behaviors which have driven him to seek treatment. A final aspect worth noting about Merton Gill's definition is how it emphasizes the centrality of regression and interpretation – hallmarks of psychoanalysis proper.
