The Psychodynamic Approach is yet another different type of approach to leadership. It does not bother itself with studying traits or skills or styles or behaviors. It is based on personality assessments of the leaders and subordinates. Several personality trait assessment tools can be used including the ego state model from transactional analysis to the personality types of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

For this Psychodynamic Approach Discussion review the three case studies in the course text and select one. Answer the questions provided with the case study you selected.

School Counseling Scenario: Using a Psychodynamic Approach

For this Assignment, read and select one of the following scenarios:

Scenario 1:

A frustrated seventh grade teacher comes to you to discuss her concerns about Eric, a male Caucasian student in her class whose behavior has been increasingly disruptive throughout the school year. Eric, age 13, talks out of turn, requires redirection from his teachers, and often engages in joking around with other students. While he attempts to behave like a “class clown,” other students do not tend to take to his antics positively, often avoiding him. Eric is an only child whose parents are divorced. He lives with his father, who recently began dating. He rarely sees his mother, who reportedly abandoned him at a very young age and who is said to have a history of substance abuse and incarceration. Eric’s hygiene is poor and he has few friends. The teacher has come to you because she has grown “tired of dealing with his misbehavior” and would like for you to “deal with him.”

Get assistance with your nursing paper

Scenario 2:

Mary is a junior in high school who recently turned 17. She has inconsistent attendance, frequent tardiness, a pattern of isolating from others, and conflict with peers. She is bright and communicative and indicates having a “good home life” with loving parents. Previously, her grades were strong but have slipped over the past several months. She is the eldest child and resides with her biological parents and twin, younger brothers, age 10, who have “special needs.” Mary is ambivalent about her future and, when asked, is unsure about her post-secondary plans.

Review this week’s resources. Think about how either a psychoanalytic, Jungian, Adlerian, or play therapy approach can be applied to support the student in the scenario.

In a 2- to 3-page Psychodynamic Approach paper, select and critically analyze one scenario using either a psychoanalytic, Jungian, Adlerian, or play therapy approach. You may choose only one theory and you must justify your choice. Be sure to include the following:

• The theory you chose and why. Be sure to discuss how you conceptualize/ explain the student’s issues using theoretical components.
• The considerations that need to be taken into account from a developmental and/or cultural perspective.
• The overall counseling goal with the student, from your chosen theoretical perspective.
• The specific strategies and/or techniques you would use with the student based upon your chosen theoretical approach. You should note at least two interventions from the chosen theoretical perspective.
• The strengths and limitations to using this approach with the student.

Write your responses to the questions for the case you selected. Be thorough and specific. Explain how you might apply one of the psychological types to the person described in the case you selected. Analyze the relationship between the psychological type you selected and the role of leadership. Provide an example from your experience or one from the Learning Resources that supports your response while adhering strictly to APA style of format and reference.

Psychodynamic Approach Readings

• Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.
  • Chapter 12, “Psychodynamic Approach” (pp. 295-328)
• Cole, G. (2013). Beware of these three personality pitfalls. Nonprofit World, 31(4), 8–9.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Huggler, L. (2012). Prologue: The mind of the executive. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 32(4), 337–339.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Lanz, K. (2013, April). Drop the ego. Director, 66(7), 76–77.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Newell, E. (2012, October). Professional profiling. Government Executive, 44(11), 51.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Petriglieri, G., & Stein, M. (2012). The unwanted self: Projective identification in leaders’ identity work.Organization Studies, 33(9), 1217-1235.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Pharro, R. (2013). Managing change in an uncertain world. Training Journal, 37–41.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.