There were 5 books that had the biggest impact on my growth as a clinician in 2025. Some helped me improve my psychodynamic thinking. Others helped me gain an even deeper appreciation of the field (not that I needed that but a little extra never hurts). All of them made me excited about what there still is to learn.

💌 Psychodynamic Newsletter → https://psychodynamicpsychology.com/newsletter

📖 Books mentioned (Amazon affiliate links)

Book #1 → https://amzn.to/4hYD00h

Book #2 → https://amzn.to/43m3bIH

Book #3 → https://amzn.to/3QmtYxD

Book #4 → https://amzn.to/45WFYNL

Book #5 → https://amzn.to/3A79i84

EQUIPMENT (affiliate links)

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Microphone: https://amzn.to/4fQQ0TN

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If you want to get a solid foundation in psychodynamic psychology, here are three books I'd put together into apersonal curriculum.

📖 Books mentioned (Amazon affiliate links)

Book #1 → https://amzn.to/3WGLYWU

Book #2 → https://amzn.to/47tCx3n

Book #3 → https://amzn.to/4ouySZ9

💌 Psychodynamic Newsletter → https://psychodynamicpsychology.com

TIMESTAMPS

01:05 Book #1

04:59 Book #2

08:48 Book #3

DISCLAIMER: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. This description contains affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost for you if you decide to purchase an item or sign up for a free trial.

Anna Freud explores how altruism can be used to fend off anxiety (and fulfil "forbidden" wishes), with her interesting exploration of Altruism as a Defense.

💌 Psychodynamic Newsletter → https://psychodynamicpsychology.com/newsletter

📖 Books mentioned (Amazon affiliate link)

The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense: https://amzn.to/467LwH9

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Anna Freud

02:27 Defense Mechanisms

03:30 Altruism (as a Defense)

05:02 Why People Use Altruism as a Defense

06:45 How Altruism as a Defense Works

08:45 Consequences

10:15 (Superficial) Examples + Variations

14:33 My Takeaway

EQUIPMENT (affiliate links)

Camera: https://amzn.to/40o7jah

Lens: https://amzn.to/420Igvb

Microphone: https://amzn.to/4fQQ0TN

Music: https://share.epidemicsound.com/un7jc6

DISCLAIMER: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. This description contains affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost for you if you decide to purchase an item or sign up for a free trial.