Psychoanalytic Therapy - Group 1.doc

The theory of psychoanalysis, by Sigmund Freud, was the theory of personality, and has the influenced different studies of personality. It is set for foundation on which other theories of personality were developed and studied. It focus on how the unconscious mind influences thoughts, feelings and behavior. It suggests that the motivation behind one's behavior lies outside of one's awareness. Moreover, according to this theory, "behavior is determined by irrational forces, unconscious motivation, and biological and instinctual drives." Psychoanalysis was developed firstly as another means as treatment for patients who did not respond to other medical and or psychological methods. Freud suggested that "people could be cured by making conscious their unconscious thoughts and motivation, thus gaining insight." It helps person achieve self awareness and insight into their behavior and experiences. The psychoanalytic perspective according to Sigmund Freud divided personality into three levels: 1. The conscious, which is inclusive of experiences and sensation which persons are aware. 2. The preconscious, which is the storehouse of memories, perceptions and thoughts which persons are aware, but can be brought into consciousness. 3. The unconscious, the dividing force behind all behaviors, which is also the focus of psychoanalytic therapy. What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy? Psychoanalytic therapy is a form of in-depth talk therapy that aims to bring unconscious or deeply buried thoughts and feelings to the conscious mind so that repressed experiences and emotions, often from childhood, can be brought to the surface and examined. Working together, the therapist and client look at how these repressed early memories have affected the client’s thinking, behavior, and relationships in adulthood. This type of therapy is based upon the work of Sigmund Freud who founded the school of thought known as psychoanalysis. History of Psychoanalytic Therapy Psychoanalytic theory grew out of the work of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud who began developing his therapeutic techniques in the late 1800s. In 1885, Freud began to study and work with Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière in Paris. Charcot used hypnosis to treat women suffering from what was then known as hysteria. Symptoms of the illness included partial paralysis, hallucinations, and nervousness. Freud continued to research hypnotism in treatment, but his work and friendship with colleague Josef Breuer led to the development of his most famous therapeutic technique. Breuer described his treatment of a young woman, known in the case history as Anna O., whose symptoms of hysteria were relieved by talking about her traumatic experiences. Freud and Breuer collaborated on a book called Studies on Hysteria and Freud continued to develop his use of this "talk therapy." This approach proposed that simply talking about problems could help relieve psychological distress.

When It's Used People with depression, emotional struggles, emotional trauma, neurotic behavior patterns, selfdestructive behavior patterns, personality disorders, or ongoing relationship issues, may benefit from psychoanalytic therapy. One small study found that 77 percent of patients reported significant improvement in symptoms, interpersonal problems, quality of life, and well-being upon completing psychoanalytic therapy. At a one-year follow-up, 80 percent reportedly experienced improvements. What to Expect Some very specific techniques are used in psychoanalytic therapy: Free association uses spontaneous word association. The client says whatever first comes to mind when the therapist says a word. The therapist then looks for and interprets patterns in the client’s responses so they can explore the meaning of these patterns together. Dream analysis uncovers repressed feelings that may be hidden in symbols that appear in the client’s dreams. The therapist helps the client discover the meaning and significance of those symbols. Transference analysis explores the transfer of the client’s feelings and emotions from one person to another. For instance, the client’s repressed childhood feelings toward a parent may be transferred to a partner in an adult relationship later in life, or to the therapist during the psychoanalytic process. Resistance is loosely defined as a client's unwillingness to discuss a particular topic in therapy. For example, if a client in psychotherapy is uncomfortable talking about his or her father, they may show resistance around this topic. How It Works Psychoanalytic therapists generally spend time listening to patients talk about their lives, which is why this method is often referred to as "the talking cure." The therapy provider will look for patterns or significant events that may play a role in the client's current difficulties. Psychoanalysts believe that childhood events and unconscious feelings, thoughts, and motivations play a role in mental illness and maladaptive behaviors. Based on Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic therapy uses analytic techniques to help release repressed thoughts, experiences, and emotions, but it is a modified, generally briefer, and less intense version of early Freudian analysis. The therapist-patient relationship is central to the healing process, as are the original theories of attachment, which focus on the quality of bonding between infant and parent; transference, the transfer of earlier emotions and needs to people and events in the present time; and resistance, the stage of therapy when the client becomes overwhelmed by the release of painful, repressed feelings and tries to avoid dealing with them. Eventually, as patients become more comfortable and less resistant to facing their issues and are able to understand their own motives and behavior, healing can begin.