Psychoanalytic Theory and Therapeutic Techniques

Eclectic Approach

Combines various therapeutic techniques for effectiveness.

Sigmund Freud

Originator of psychoanalysis and personality theory.

Self-Analysis

Freud's method of exploring personal psychological traumas.

Psychosexual Stages

Key developmental phases in Freud's personality theory.

Deterministic View

Freud's belief that behavior is driven by unconscious forces.

Libido

Energy of life instincts, originally sexual in nature.

Life Instincts

Instincts oriented towards survival, growth, and creativity.

Death Instincts

Aggressive drives manifesting as self-destructive behavior.

Id

Raw, unorganized part of personality operating on pleasure.

Ego

Rational part of personality working on reality principle.

Superego

Conscience representing moral standards and right vs. wrong.

Consciousness

Thin layer of awareness, like the iceberg's tip.

Unconscious

Stores repressed memories and inaccessible motivations.

Dream Analysis

Interpreting dreams to uncover unconscious needs and wishes.

Freudian Slips

Unintentional errors revealing unconscious thoughts.

Posthypnotic Suggestions

Instructions given during hypnosis affecting later behavior.

Free Association

Technique to explore unconscious by verbalizing thoughts.

Projective Techniques

Methods revealing personality through ambiguous stimuli.

Symbolic Content

Hidden meanings in psychotic symptoms indicating unconscious issues.

Personality Structure

Consists of Id, Ego, and Superego interacting as a whole.

Pleasure Principle

Id's drive to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Reality Principle

Ego's strategy to satisfy Id's desires realistically.

Moral Principle

Superego's guidance based on ethical standards.

Aggressive Drives

Instinctual urges leading to self-harm or harm to others.

Therapeutic Goal

Making unconscious motives conscious for better choices.

Insight

Understanding of one's psychological dynamics through therapy.

Symbolic Representation

Dreams and slips reflecting unconscious thoughts.

Key Techniques

Methods used to access the unconscious in therapy.

Unconscious

Central to psychoanalytic model; drives behavior.

Neurotic Symptoms

Manifestations of unresolved unconscious conflicts.

Cure

Uncovering meaning of symptoms and repressed material.

Transference Distortions

Client's old patterns affecting therapeutic relationship.

Anxiety

Feeling of dread from repressed emotions.

Reality Anxiety

Fear of real danger from external threats.

Neurotic Anxiety

Fear of losing control over instincts.

Moral Anxiety

Fear of violating one's moral conscience.

Ego

Part of personality mediating between id and superego.

Id

Primitive part of personality; seeks pleasure.

Superego

Moral conscience; internalized societal standards.

Ego Defence Mechanisms

Coping strategies to manage anxiety unconsciously.

Adaptive Value

Defences can be beneficial if not overused.

Development of Personality

Early stages shape future personality and behavior.

Fixation

Stuck at developmental stage due to unmet needs.

Therapeutic Process

Goal is to enhance adaptive functioning and resolve conflicts.

Make Unconscious Conscious

Primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy.

Strengthen Ego

Enhance reality-based decision making.

Therapeutic Techniques

Methods to reveal unconscious material.

Conflict Resolution

Addressing and resolving internal psychological conflicts.

Psychological Immaturity

Behavioral patterns from unresolved developmental issues.

First Six Years

Foundation for personality development according to Freud.

Intellectual Insight

Understanding alone is insufficient for symptom resolution.

Healthy Functioning

Optimal psychological state free from neurotic symptoms.

Repressed Material

Thoughts and feelings pushed out of conscious awareness.

State of Tension

Motivates action in response to anxiety.

Conscience

Inner sense of right and wrong.

Childhood Experiences

Restructured to enhance self-understanding and character change.

Therapist's Role

Assumes anonymous, non-judgmental stance in therapy.

Blank-Screen Approach

Therapist avoids self-disclosure to foster transference.

Transference Relationship

Transfer of feelings from past relationships to therapist.

Therapeutic Work

Analyzing projections from unfinished, repressed situations.

Self-Awareness

Key goal of psychoanalysis for clients.

Client's Resistances

Therapist pays attention to client's defensive behaviors.

Interpretation

Accelerates uncovering of unconscious material in therapy.

Listening Skills

Therapist listens for gaps and inconsistencies in stories.

Dream Analysis

Inferring meaning from reported dreams in therapy.

Free Associations

Client's spontaneous thoughts analyzed for therapeutic insights.

Therapeutic Change

Depends on client's readiness, not therapist's accuracy.

Reworking Patterns

Clients learn to act in new, freer ways.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Has limited objectives compared to traditional psychoanalysis.

Couch Usage

Less likely to use a couch in psychodynamic therapy.

Session Frequency

Fewer sessions per week in psychodynamic therapy.

Supportive Interventions

Includes reassurance and empathy in therapy.

Therapist Self-Disclosure

More latitude without affecting transference dynamics.

Mutual Transference

Focus on both client and therapist's emotional exchanges.

Practical Concerns

Emphasis on immediate issues over fantasy material.

Awareness Techniques

Aim to increase client's insight into their behavior.

Catharsis

Emotional release leading to deeper understanding.

Intellectual Understanding

Goal of therapy for cognitive insights.

Emotional Understanding

Aims for emotional clarity and reeducation.

Personality Change

Desired outcome from psychoanalytic therapy process.

Therapeutic Techniques

Six basic techniques guide psychoanalytic therapy.

Analytic Framework

Procedural structure for achieving therapy goals.

Analyst's Anonymity

Therapist's non-identifiable presence during sessions.

Neutrality

Therapist's impartial stance in therapy.

Objectivity

Therapist's unbiased perspective on client issues.

Meeting Consistency

Regular scheduling of therapy sessions.

Boundary Issues

Limits on therapist's influence and advice.

Free Association

Clients express thoughts without censorship.

Unconscious Material

Repressed thoughts and feelings influencing behavior.

Catharsis

Emotional release from repressed feelings.

Resistance

Client's avoidance of certain thoughts or feelings.

Therapist's Interpretation

Analyst explains meaning behind client behaviors.

Therapeutic Alliance

Collaborative relationship between therapist and client.

Ego Assimilation

Integrating new insights into the self.

Hypothesis in Interpretation

Possible meanings presented as non-definitive insights.

Client Readiness

Client's ability to accept therapeutic interpretations.

Timing of Interpretation

Presenting insights when client is receptive.

Surface to Depth

Starting interpretations from conscious awareness.

Hidden Meaning

Underlying significance beyond surface content.

Anxiety Cues

Indicators of distress in client associations.