This module will introduce and familiarise students with the key concepts of psychodynamic thinking. In particular, they will become aware of unconscious dynamics at work in individuals, groups and organisations. The module aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the rest of the programme. As such students will study the basis of a psychodynamic approach, the key theoretical ideas and their place within the discipline. The importance of the unconscious and early experience will be emphasised. Students will explore the way individuals affect one another, institutions affect the people who work in them and vice versa, and what impact this has upon therapeutic practice.

Aims

To familiarise students with the key concepts of psychodynamic thinking applied to individuals, groups and organisations
To build on students understanding of the psychodynamics of human behaviour by applying these ideas to groups and organisations.
To become aware of the unconscious dynamics at work in individuals, groups and organisations.
To begin to understand how psychodynamic insight can be applied to groups and organisations.
To begin to understand the unconscious psychodynamics of institutions.

Learning Outcomes

Understand key psychodynamic concepts and their place within discipline
Begin to understand key psychodynamic concepts as they apply to individuals
Become aware of unconscious processes in relationships and interactions
Begin to be able to apply psychodynamic ideas to their workplace roles and relationships
To be able to apply psychodynamic thinking to group and organisational dynamics
To be able to understand the ways in which organisational dynamics have an impact on effective functioning