Theories of Counseling: Psychoanalytic Theory PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University. “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:  any public performance or display, including transmission of an image over a network;  preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images;  any rental, lease, or lending of the program.” “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Background  Sigmund Freud launched the fields of counseling and psychotherapy.  Freud's conception regarding the development of neurosis arose from his studies in hysteria and hypnosis.  Pleasure Principle: Human motivation is guided by the drive to seek pleasure. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Background  Other prominent contributors include: Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Harry Stack Sullivan, Theodore Reik, Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney and Eric Fromm.  All of the aforementioned practitioners were at one time disciples of Freud but left to form their own schools.  Many psychoanalytic principles were incorporated into later developing theories. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Basic Tenets  Id, Ego and Superego: The three parts of the personality.  Stages of Development: Oral, anal, phallic, latency period and genital.  Defense mechanisms: Repression, projection, reaction formation, fixation, regression. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Basic Tenets  To become a practitioner of psychoanalysis, one must complete a long training process of many years, which is open only to M.D.’s and Ph.D’s.  Id, Ego, Superego and intrapsychic conflicts: Psychological symptoms are self-defeating patterns brought on by internal struggles.  The past: Current problems stem from unresolved issues that occurred in early childhood. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Basic Tenets  Dreams: Dreams are viewed as the gateway to the unconscious.  Catharsis: The release of pent-up emotion.  Corrective Emotional Experience: The therapist helps clients alter their self-perceptions and behavior. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Treatment Procedures  Therapy is long-term and focuses on exploring unconscious issues through interpretation, dream analysis, free association, transference and other methods.  Detachment: The therapist is detached, objective and neutral so that the client can project onto the therapist things from the client’s unconscious.  Transference: Traditionally, transference is a projection of unconscious desires onto the therapist.  Countertransference: This are projections the therapist makes onto the client. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Contemporary Theories  Object Relations Theory: Also sees the past as a strong influence on behavior but also looks at the present and creates a more empathic, supportive relationship in which to foster a more secure attachment.  Self-Psychology Theory: Doesn’t just explore the past but also here-and- now issues. Defenses are identified in a sensitive manner leading to greater ego strength and resilience. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Contemporary Developments  Many contemporary psychoanalytic practitioners have abandoned many of Freud’s original tenets (e.g. the couch).  Therapy has become more brief.  Sessions focus both on the past and on the present.  Focus in on identified goals and not a entire restructuring of the personality.  Contemporary psychoanalytic theories are especially helpful for borderline and narcissistic personalities. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory General Principles  Help the person to tell his or her story.  Establish a solid working alliance.  Deal with resistance.  Gather background information and history.  Select the problem or issue to be worked on.  Explore the precipitating events. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory General Principles  Collaborate with the client to form a diagnosis and treatment plan.  Increase the client’s awareness regarding defensiveness.  Revisit resistance to interventions.  Explore the client’s transference.  Monitor the therapist’s countertransference.  Examine how the past is impacting the present. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory General Principles  Help the client behave more effectively.  Provide feedback and confront discrepancies.  Negotiate with the client regarding homework assignments.  Remind the client of the termination date.  End therapy as agreed upon with the client.  Schedule follow-up as needed. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Limitations  Doesn’t take all the client’s needs into consideration. (e.g. sometimes clients have a need to be alone or regress.)  Psychoanalysis isn’t for everyone and it is still long in duration compared to more brief theories.  The writings of some psychoanalytic theorists (Freud and Jung In particular) are technical and hard to read. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Psychoanalytic Theory Use with Diverse Populations  Psychoanalytic theory tends to be seen as male and elitist in origin.  Has sexist concepts such as “penis envy.”  Patriarchy and domination are often associated with it.  Can be useful in helping diverse groups learn how to present their concerns in relationship to past oppressive history. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Resources Ivey, A. E., D’Andrea, M., Ivey, M. B. and Morgan, L. S. (2002). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A multicultural perspective, 5 th ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn & Bacon. James, R. K. & Gilliland, B. E. (2003). Theories and strategies in counseling and psychotherapy, 5 th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Kottler, J. A. (2002). Theories in counseling and therapy: An experiential approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”