• Anxiety and mood
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2015

In psychodynamic therapy, trauma related symptoms are considered as an attempt to overcome the traumatic experiences. Therefore, psychodynamic psychotherapy regards the symptom not as a patient's defect but as an adaptive reaction. In contrast to other therapies, psychodynamic theory places heavy emphasis on the understanding and resolution of the patient's symptoms. In addition, transference is a distinctive feature of this theory, which plays a significant role of reflecting the realistic evaluation on the therapist's characteristics, and in guaranteeing the therapeutic alliance. The psychodynamic therapist inducts meaning from the patient's unconscious mind. The therapist's task is to help the patient to better understand defense mechanisms guide their management of experiences and reactions, and facilitate a better understanding of their personal experiences.