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.