Freud’s concept of psychoanalysis has helped many understand the importance of speaking to a therapist about his or her problems and concerns. Rogers’s person-centered theory has allowed therapists and counselors to understand individuals are unique and an individual’s development goes beyond early childhood. Psychology calls Freud one of the most famous and influential figures of controversial thinkers of the twentieth century (Grünbaum, 2007). Sigmund Freud’s work was influential to more people than he realized it would be. For more than 100 years, his work has been researched, reviewed, tested, and proven.
D171 Introduction to counselling Sarah Rouiched TMA01 PART A The psychodynamic counselling signifies one of the most important traditions within counselling and psychotherapy. It was developed by one of the founders of modern psychology; Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939). This approach became known around the 1900’s and used, modified and developed by others (as cited in McLeod, 2008, pg. 90-91). The cognitive-behavioural approach also represents an importance to counselling.
Sigmund Freud differed from B.F. Skinner in terms of approaching human behavior. Sigmund Freud was a psychodynamic psychologist. His idea about human behavior and development shows that behavior throughout life is motivated by inner, unconscious forces, stemming from childhood, over which people have little control. He focused on the realm of the unconscious mind and the defense mechanism of repression. He created the clinical practice of psychoanalysis for curing the mind ailment-psychopathology.
Psychodynamic personality theories started with Sigmund Freud and his Id, Ego, and Superego theory (unconscious and conscious behavior) and today have come full circle with the validation of his basic assumptions of psychoanalytical theory. Sigmund Freud is the founder of psychodynamic approach to psychology (McLeod, 2007, p.1). The first theory of the psychodynamic approach was Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis theory. The approach of many psychologists collectively included theories based on Freud’s ideas. In essence, Freud’s theoretical foundation for the psychodynamic approach is referenced as the structural model (Marc F. Kern, 1996-2003).
Sigmund Freud was the first to challenge the view that mental disorders were caused by physical illness and proposed that psychological factors were responsible for the illness. The psychodynamic approach highlights the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences. Psychodynamic psychologist’s attempt to deal with the mental health issues of their patients by incorporating these ideas and creating therapies using these ideas. The basic concept behind psychoanalysis is that a patient that suffers from mental health problems such as depression can address any regressed feelings thus, the patient gains insight of and can learn to work through their emotional baggage. It is a generalised concept that if the cause of the symptoms were tackled it would only be logical that the symptoms would then cease.
His many theories were based on case studies of his patients and from deep self analysis over a period of fifty years. He died in 1937 (Sanders, 2011). According to Chrysalis (2010) his most important contribution to psychology is the concept of the ‘dynamic unconscious’ meaning that the unconscious mind of a human plays a very important role in how they behave. He developed many theories and the practice of psychoanalysis; one of the twentieth century’s most influential schools of psychology. He also made fundamental contributions to philosophy and Lear (2005) names Freud as one of the greatest theorists of human nature, engaging in deep issues and problems such as human sexuality, the unconscious, dreams and theories of transference.
Psychodynamic Theorists Paper David K. DuBose Psych 500 October 22, 2012 Angela J. W. Steele, Psy.D Psychodynamic Theorists There have been several theories over the years that have defined personality development. First, Freud and his influence on the development of personality will be discussed. Secondly, how analyst that followed Freud dissented from his viewpoint. Third, the links between theorists in the psychoanalytical theory groups will be explored. Finally, other psychoanalytical concepts will be discussed.
This means early experiences play a critical role in our lives. Freud believed the human mind has both unconscious and conscious areas. The unconscious part is seen as being dominated by the id, a primitive part of the human personality that seeks only gratification and pleasure. It isn’t concerned with social rules, only with self-gratification and it is driven by the ‘pleasure principle.’ It is said psychopaths are ID led. The disregard for our consequences of behaviour is referred to as ‘primary process thinking’.
Psychoanalysis is a type of psychological therapy which is part of the psychodynamic approach. Freud influenced many on how the mentally ill should been portrayed. He therefore developed psychoanalysis which involved talking through problems. This then developed into different types of therapies- dream analysis, free association and transference. The psychodynamic therory states that the unconscious comes out in dreams.
The ID is considered part of the unconscious personality, and is driven by impulses to seek pleasure and satisfaction. The Ego experiences and reacts to the world as well as mediating between the sometimes contrary drives of the ID and super ego. This is often considered to be a front put on for society, and is part of the pre conscious and conscious parts of the conscience according to Freud’s iceberg. Finally the Super-Ego is the ‘censor’ of the personality, and is used to restrain the ID, due to its association with guilt. When a person interprets some form of disapproval from society, this is ‘internalised’ to form the super-ego.