Posted: May 27th, 2026

Psychodynamic Theory & Cognitive Theory

Psychodynamic Theory & Cognitive Theory

Reflect on your overall practicum experience in this course. Then, address the following in your Practicum Journal.

: Explain whether your therapeutic theory has changed as a result of your

practicum experiences. Recall the theories you selected in Week 1 which is (Psychodynamic

Theory & Cognitive Theory)

: Explain how you integrated the therapeutic approaches from this course in your

clinical practice. Include how this helped you achieve the goals and objectives

you developed in Week 1 ( For this assignment, just make up any goals)

: Explain how you might impact social change through your work with clients who

have mental health issues.

: Support your approach with evidence-based literature.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Chapter 17, “Psychotherapy With Children” (pp. 597–624)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Bass, C., van Nevel, J., & Swart, J. (2014). A comparison between dialectical behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 9(2), 4–8. doi:10.1037/h0100991

Koocher, G. P. (2003). Ethical issues in psychotherapy with adolescents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59(11), 1247–1256. PMID:14566959

McLeod, B. D., Jensen-Doss, A., Tully, C. B., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Weisz, J. R., &

Kendall, P. C. (2016). The role of setting versus treatment type in alliance within youth therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 84(5), 453–464. doi:10.1037/ccp0000081

Zilberstein, K. (2014). The use and limitations of attachment theory in child psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 51(1), 93–103. doi:10.1037/a0030930

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Practicum Journal Entry:

Throughout my practicum experience in this course, I have had the opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical skills in both psychodynamic theory and cognitive theory. These experiences have deepened my understanding of these therapeutic approaches and have influenced my perspective on how I approach therapy.

In terms of my therapeutic theory, I can say that my practicum experiences have solidified my belief in the importance of integrating multiple theoretical perspectives based on the individual needs of the client. While I initially favored cognitive theory, I now recognize the value of psychodynamic theory in understanding the underlying unconscious processes that may contribute to a client’s difficulties. I have come to realize that a holistic and integrative approach, incorporating elements from both psychodynamic and cognitive theories, can provide a comprehensive understanding of clients and their concerns.

In my clinical practice, I have integrated therapeutic approaches from this course by tailoring my interventions to the specific goals and objectives developed in Week 1. One of the goals I established was to help clients develop effective coping strategies to manage anxiety. To achieve this, I have utilized cognitive-behavioral techniques such as cognitive restructuring to help clients identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and beliefs contributing to their anxiety. Additionally, I have incorporated psychodynamic interventions, such as exploring early childhood experiences, to gain insight into the underlying dynamics that may be contributing to their anxiety symptoms.

The integration of these therapeutic approaches has been instrumental in helping me achieve the goals and objectives set earlier. By combining cognitive and psychodynamic techniques, I have been able to address both the surface-level symptoms and the deeper underlying issues that clients may be experiencing. This comprehensive approach has helped clients gain a greater understanding of themselves, develop more adaptive coping strategies, and experience symptom relief.

In terms of impacting social change through my work with clients who have mental health issues, I believe that by providing evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care, I can contribute to positive change at an individual and societal level. Engaging in ongoing professional development, staying informed about the latest research and best practices, and actively participating in interdisciplinary collaborations are crucial steps to ensure the provision of effective care.

Evidence-based literature supports the integration of multiple therapeutic approaches in clinical practice. For example, the study by Bass, van Nevel, and Swart (2014) compared various therapeutic approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, in the treatment of adolescents. The findings demonstrated that a multimodal approach combining techniques from different therapeutic approaches yielded positive outcomes for adolescents with mental health concerns.

Furthermore, McLeod et al. (2016) explored the role of the therapeutic alliance in youth therapy and found that the therapeutic relationship, irrespective of the specific treatment approach, significantly influenced treatment outcomes. This highlights the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance while integrating various theoretical perspectives.

Overall, my practicum experience has reinforced the value of an integrative approach to therapy and the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. By incorporating evidence-based practices from psychodynamic theory and cognitive theory, I have been able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my clients while working towards promoting positive social change in the field of mental health.

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