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.