An exploration of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy with homeless people

No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Daly, Paul
Issue Date
2015
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
Homelessness is a multidimensional reality with political, socio-economic, familial, psychological and health aspects. How homelessness is thought of shapes how it is responded to. The aim of this study is to explore psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy with homeless people. Firstly, the definitions and prevalence of homelessness are noted and the main strategy for responding to it is mentioned. The notion of physical and psychological shelter is introduced and attention is drawn to the problem that some homeless people have relating to a physical space and a possible reason for this is given. A number of different ways of conceptualising homelessness within a psychological and psychotherapeutic frame are described. The different kinds of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy offered to homeless people are reviewed. A recommendation for future research in this area is made.