Chapter 3: Neoanalytic

The Neoanalytic approach consists of 4 main variants that originally stem from Freud’s Psychoanalysis theory.

The first is Ego Psychology (EP) which was fronted by Ana Freud and followers’ such as Heinz Hartmann. This theory maintains Freud’s original structure of the Id, Ego, and Superego, however rather than put focus or emphasis on the Id, the focus was placed on the ego. This theory states the ego developed separately from the Id and also has its own energy from transforming the instinctual, this is also called neutralization. This theory is comprised of six stages of development: Normal Autism ( when a child is unaware of self and mother), Normal Symbiosis ( child increasingly becomes aware of mother and believes her to be a part of self), Differentiation and body image (during this period the child gradually becomes accustomed to increases in distance from mother however consistently checks for her location), Practicing (in learning to walk the child attains a new perspective on the world becoming narcissistic and egotistical), Rapprochement sub phase (This is the crisis phase between the child’s desire for autonomy and closeness to the mother), and Emotional Object Constancy and Individuality (the child internalizes a positive image of the mother in order to ease separation process from mother).

The techniques for Ego Psychology are the same as those in psychoanalysis; free-association, interpretation, and transference and dream analysis in particular. Within Ego Psychology Free association has become more of a goal rather than a technique.

The next theory is Object Relations (OR) which was founded by Melanie Klein and followers such as R.D. Fairbairn and Donald Winnicott. This theory accepts drive theory and emphasizes the importance of psychic representations of relationships and primitive fantasies in particular the aggressive urge. This theory also states that we seek objects (people) not for carnal instinctual urges but for the people themselves. The definitions for objects is broken down into two categories external (things and people in the environment) and internal (a psychological structure of internalization's from the environment and important individuals). Or lists 4 methods of dealing with objects: Projection (feelings associated with an object are fused with object as projected outward), Introjections (the bad aspects of the world are internalized in order to control them), Splitting (separating dangerous feelings, objects, and impulses from pleasant one for easier management), and Projection Identification (the bad is projected outward onto another object where it can no longer be controlled, it is then reinternalized in order to better control the bad).  OR also states that there are two phases in which individuals may exist; Paranoid-Schizoid, where there is a back and forth between the good and bad emotions and the Depressive phase which occurs as the child realizes the feelings of hate it developed towards the object it now realizes is the child’s mother it then seeks to repair this relationship. This theory also states that this conflict between these two phases is constant throughout life, however most individuals tend to function through the depressive state rather than the paranoid-schizoid state.

Similar to Pschoanalysis the techniques used are interpretation and transference in particular. Two unique qualities of the techniques in this theory is the “three-person” model in which the analyst is immersed in a transference/counter-transference relationship while also maintaining an objective distance from which observations and interpretations of the clients object relationships can be completed.  Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) begins with a contract in which the expectations of both client and therapist is developed. The major techniques of TFP are clarification (therapist attempts to understand the clients experience and improve their helping ability and self reflection), confrontations (therapist confronts discrepancies in the clients communication), and transference (the therapist/client interactions is linked to early object relations).

The third theory is Self Psychology (SP) which was founded by Heinz Kohut. In this theory there is an emphasis on self. The constructs of this theory are selfobject which emphasizes that infants can’t tell the difference between self and other. The selfobject also exist to soothe and support the infants self growth. Self-selfobjects describes the relationship role of these objects. There are two phases, or selfobjects in this theory that need to develop are the Grandiose-exhibitionist self (sayings from a child such as ‘look at me! “aren't I awesome?’ which in turn need to be mirrored by the parent) and the idealized parental image (allowing the child to see the parent as perfect).

The most important technique for this theory in interpretation, for this to be effective both understanding and explanation need to be used.

The final theory is Relational Psychoanalysis (RP) which was headed by Sandor Franzecki and Harry Stack Sullivan. In this theory the focus is on relationship. The constructs of this theory there are three main parts of this theory. The Self is a repetitive pattern of experiences and behaviors and the meanings of these repetitions across time. It also states that everyone has many different selves, some being more authentic than others, and we balance all of these selves out of fear that authentic expression will lead to anxiety, anger, and/or withdrawal from others. This is also called the false self. The relational matrix is a hypothetical construct which consists of the self, object the self is relating to, and interaction between the two. Drive theory in RP rejects instinctual drives but does not completely dismiss aggression, sexual desire, and conflict as it states they are important in human relationships. Dysfunction is said to occur when a client repetitively applies the same type of old interaction skills not allowing for new interaction skill and relationships to develop.

Techniques in this theory are essentially the same as that in Psychoanalysis and in the other Neoanalytic approaches. These techniques involve engaging in discussion so interpretation may be possible. Dreams are also considered to be important with an interest in how they relate to the clients life. Another techniques is to discuss the therapist/client relationship in relation to earlier and current relationships the client has with significant others, in this there is a mutual enactment or actualization of the transference process. 

Chapter 3 Neoanalytic: Video

Neo-analytic Session: Dr. Jill Scharff

This seems to relate to Object Relations (OR) and the two phases described with in the Neoanalytic approach theory. In some ways his narrative might be described in both phases. The paranoid-schizoid phase, or the back and forth between good and bad emotions sounds similar to his description of conversations he has with his mother. The guilt he describes feeling after a conversation in which he perceives he hurt her, or the thought of informing her of his changed feelings about the baby shower. Both of these statements relates to the depressive phase, where the child wishes to repair the relationship with the mother after realizing negative feelings towards her.

Chapter 2 Psychoanalysis: Video

The name of the video I choose is Conceptualizing Clients. In this video there were aspects that both coordinated with psychoanalysis theory and opposed it. First as opposition was the positioning of the therapist and client as well as some of the method used by the therapist. According to Freud's psychoanalysis the therapist should sit behind the clients field of vision while the client lies on the coach. The therapist will also limit responses to those that encourage or prompt the client to provide greater detail on their communication during free association. In the video the therapist appeared to be giving multiple suggestions to the client rather than taking on a more passive listening role.
Something that coordinated with Psychoanalysis involves the clients description of her current relationship status and the relationship she had with her parents. The repetitive nature of her romantic relationships combined with the information given about her past suggests she may have a 'fixation' as Freud called it, in one of the phases of her libido development. This means that her parental relationship may have in some way hindered her development as a child which is now manifesting in her romantic relationships as an adult.

Chapter 2: Pschoanalysis

Founded by Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis states human behavior is driven by innate instincts every human is born with. While these instincts vary he cites the sexual instinct to be the dominant force influencing human behavior. This can be referred to as Instinct Theory which continues to state that these innate urges must be expressed or place the individual at risk of becoming dysfunctional. In Freud’s Psychoanalysis theory two major parts exist: Eros, which is life as in self-preservation instincts, and Thantos, otherwise known as death or destruction. Freud makes sure to address that these are not necessarily opposing forces but at times fuse into one another in some actions. Psychoanalysis describes different stages of development, or libido development which range from the time of a newborn, where libido is focused inward, to adult hood and mature love a relationships or mature sexual identity. The structural model of psychoanalysis is comprised of It, I, and over-me also called the Id, the Ego, and the Superego. The Id is the primitive stage such as a newborn that seeks gratification and avoids pain. The Ego develops as a result of the environment and the pressure to keep instincts restrained as gratification is sought but done in a way to ensure the person is maintained. It is the Ego’s job to make sure the gratification of the Id does not go too far, leading to injury or death. The superego acts as an authoritative or parental figure for an individual, a synonymous word may be the conscious. This observes and dictates the actions of the ego.

Techniques used in Psychoanalysis include Free Association, Interpretation, Analysis of the Resistance, Dream Analysis and Analysis of the Transference. Free Association creates an atmosphere which is said to allow the true unconscious to show. It runs by what is called the fundamental rule, that a client must report everything they are thinking no matter what, even if they believe it to be non important or difficult for them to say. Interpretation is when the therapist interprets what the client is saying and relates it to past events or conflicts. Freud insisted that these interpretations not be reveled to the client until it was determined that the client was ready to discover the answer for his or herself. Analysis of the Resistance means to be alert for any sign of resistance from the client such as forgetting appointments or what is called “flight into health” in which a client believes they are getting better. Dream Analysis interprets dreams to be symbolic wish fulfillments, in which there the manifest content is or what dreamers report and the latent content which is what is disguised as it is unacceptable to the conscious mind. Lastly Analysis of the Transference looks at when a client will unconsciously transfer qualities from significant individuals in their past onto the counselor. This transference will often start good, as in the client treats the counselor as though they are a ‘good parent’ and with progress may become hostile or erotic, a counselors job is to interpret these feelings for the client in order to show the client that the feelings aren’t real but rooted in the past.