Many contemporary early childhood evidence-based treatment (EBT) models addressing attachment and trauma-related symptoms (e.g. CPP, PCPP, Circle of Security) have origins in and are informed by psychodynamic constructs, principles, and techniques that have long been central to psychodynamic theory and practice. Many of these ideas and techniques have become so generic (e.g. the centrality of relationships, use of play, the therapeutic relationship and working alliance) that they are embedded into contemporary treatments without identifying or differentiating their origins, depth-of meaning or therapeutic intent. Further, a working knowledge of these techniques on the part of therapists is often assumed.

The aim of this presentation is to demystify, define and underscore core psychodynamic constructs and techniques that inform several current early childhood EBTs with the aim of enriching and deepening awareness, understanding and efficacy. In this presentation, we will examine the meaning of psychodynamic intervention and explore seven core ideas and techniques (Shedler, 2010) (expression of affect and feeling states; exploration of strategies to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings; identification of recurring themes and patterns; a developmental focus; the centrality of interpersonal relationships; a focus on the therapy relationship and exploration of fantasy and forces outside of awareness) that are distinctive to psychodynamic approaches, are common among a range of psychodynamic schools of thought and have relevance to infant and early childhood attachment and trauma treatments.

Learning Objectives 
Participants will be able to: 

• Differentiate between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic treatment
• Identify seven core techniques that are common to psychodynamic approaches across schools of thought
• Illustrate one or more of these techniques by clinical example
• Discuss the implication of these techniques to a current EBT used to treat attachment and trauma