Psychoanalysis

•‘Psychoanalysis is a theory of the human mind, a therapy for mental distress, an instrument of research and a profession. A complex intellectual, medical and sociological phenomenon’

•Ivan Ward and Oscar Zarate, Introducing Psychoanalysis, 2000

•Psychoanalysis has shown:

–The relationship between sexuality and human motivation

–The hidden meanings of psychological events

–The importance of childhood

–Psychic conflict as part of the human condition. 

Founded by Freud

A. As a method of investigation which consists essentially in bringing out the unconscious meaning of the words, the actions and the products of the imagination (dreams, phantasies, delusions) of a particular subject.

B. As a psychotherapeutic model

C. As a group of psychological and psychopathological theories…

Freud:

‘I illustrated my remarks by pointing to the antique objects about my room. They were, in fact, I said, only objects found in a tomb, and their burial had been their preservation.’ – Freud’s explanation to a patient about the nature of the unconscious.