Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis, created by Sigmund Freud, is a branch of psychology used as a therapeutic method in psychiatry.

 

Psychoanalysis interprets human behavior primarily as (1) the expression of inner conflicts between desires, and (2) the expression of the process where inner desires harmonize with societal demands.

 

Especially when inner desires harmonize with external societal demands, there are no issues perceived. However, when they do not harmonize, it is considered to manifest as mental illness.

 

Freud primarily understood inner desires as sexual desires, but not all psychoanalysts agree with this view, and approaches vary among scholars.

 

In psychoanalysis, unlike general psychology, there is a concept known as 'the unconscious.' Psychology typically studies the structure of consciousness and behavioral patterns. In contrast, psychoanalysis considers that unconscious, which includes suppressed emotions, desires, and thoughts, greatly influences human behavior and thinking.

 

Freud discovered the unconscious, which exists beyond conscious awareness but significantly impacts human behavior. Initially, Freud described the structure of the unconscious using a topographical model. Consciousness exists as the surface of the mind that we perceive, akin to the ground above ground level. Below that lies the preconscious, where thoughts can be retrieved even though they are not currently in awareness—deeper still, beyond the preconscious, lies the repressed unconscious in this topographical model. The preconscious broadly includes concepts within the unconscious. Freud later refined this topographical model into a dynamic structure of the mind, known as the tripartite psyche: the ego, superego, and id.

 

 

Freud

Early psychoanalysis founded by Freud focused primarily on dynamics such as the Oedipus complex and the triangular relationships (child-mother-father), emphasizing the sexual forces. However, subsequent psychoanalysts criticized and diversified this focus. While Freud initiated psychoanalysis, his theories do not encompass the entirety of the field. Freud himself established and later revised multiple theories, even discarding some, reflecting shifts in his scholarly stance over time. This evolution is akin to Darwin's "Biology" not being equivalent to modern biology, or Newton's "Physics" not summarizing contemporary physics.

 

Following Freud's era, various psychoanalytic schools emerged, including ego psychology represented by his daughter Anna Freud and object relations theory by Melanie Klein. A new phase was ushered in by French psychoanalyst Lacan. Psychoanalysis has served as a cornerstone for all psychiatric theories and continues to foster future scholars through institutes like the Freudian Psychoanalysis Research Institute, where analysts train and dedicate themselves to therapeutic practice.

 

 

In psychoanalysis, the unconscious refers to

Psychoanalysis, akin to a university of life, encourages individuals to gain profound insights into their inner selves and apply these insights to their daily lives. It explores the unconscious through a scientific lens, offering satisfaction to those with a mind-centered approach while dismissing critiques that label it as mere theory. Moreover, psychoanalysis fosters equal relationships between therapists and patients, favoring discussion over indoctrination.

 

Human consciousness is just the tip of the iceberg, living a life dominated by the unconscious. The intention is to integrate the unconscious into consciousness, leading a more proactive life. Freud's concept of the super-ego largely originates from the unconscious and is grounded in it. Strengthening the ego is essential to make the unconscious conscious, expanding the realm of consciousness, and continuing analytical work. This interpretation suggests that integrating the unconscious through a reasonable examination into the realm of consciousness enhances the overall psychological metabolism.

 

Therefore, while typically attempting to treat neurotic patients, psychoanalysis holds significance in fostering introspection in interpersonal relationships akin to friendships for all individuals. The power of the unconscious surpasses imagination to such an extent that cases have arisen where pregnancy became possible or physical transformations occurred post-analysis, leading individuals to adopt a career as psychoanalysts. While the power of the unconscious is remarkable, it can also be harmful, underscoring the fundamental aim of psychoanalysis to transform the unconscious into a healthy consciousness.