theory: psychoanalysis and neo-Freudian theories

Question 1

Four Categories of Psychodynamic Theories:

Answer 1

• psychoanalysis,
• neo-Freudian approaches,
• individual psychology,
• Jungian psychology

Question 2

determinism

Answer 2

A philosophical position that argues people’s actions are predetermined by an external, uncontrollable force, such as genetics or biology. The deterministic perspective is endorsed by psychoanalytic theories.

Question 3

four key concepts of Psychoanalysis:

Answer 3

• levels of consciousness,
• personality development,
• transference,
• countertransference

Question 4

conscious mind

Answer 4

Awareness of everything occurring in the present.

Question 5

preconscious mind

Answer 5

That part of consciousness that combines characteristics of both the conscious and unconscious minds.

Question 6

unconscious mind

Answer 6

The most nebulous part of a person’s mind. It contains memories, instincts, and drives that are exceedingly difficult to bring to a person’s conscious awareness.

Question 7

transference

Answer 7

A psychoanalytic term used to describe the displacement of emotions from one individual to another. Transference often occurs in counseling when a client brings feelings from a past relationship into the counseling relationship, often transferring those feelings onto the clinician. For example, a client might say to the counselor, “You treat me just like my father did when I was a child.”

Question 8

countertransference

Answer 8

A psychoanalytic term used to describe the emotions and fantasies a counselor unconsciously transfers to the client. Typically, these feelings stem from the counselor’s own unresolved conflicts and past relationships.

Question 9

psychoanalytic techniques:

Answer 9

• free association,
• dream analysis,
• interpretation,
• analysis of transference/resistance

Question 10

free association

Answer 10

A psychoanalytic technique that encourages clients to say anything that comes to mind, without thinking. This technique is used to uncover unconscious, repressed thoughts and feelings.

Question 11

dream analysis

Answer 11

A psychoanalytic technique in which dreams are explored and interpreted according to manifest (literal or obvious meaning) and latent content (hidden meaning).

Question 12

interpretation

Answer 12

Plays a critical role in psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysts interpret the meaning of clients’ thoughts, emotions, behavior, and dreams to increase their self-awareness and understanding of their unconscious desires

Question 13

manifest content

Answer 13

The symbolism in dreams with meaning that is easily perceived.

Question 14

latent content

Answer 14

The symbolism in dreams that is harder to understand and interpret

Question 15

Four Neo-Freudian Approaches:

Answer 15

• ego psychology,
• interpersonal psychology,
• object relations,
• self-psychology

Question 16

object relations

Answer 16

A neo-Freudian theory that maintains individual’s personalities are developed through early parent-child interactions. Therefore, healthy personality development is dependent on satisfying interpersonal relationships. Objects are defined as people or things that meet a child’s need; object relations theorists are concerned with how children represent and relate to the objects in their environment. Major contributors to this theory are W. R. D. Fairbairn, Otto Kernberg, Melanie Klein, Margaret Mahler, and D. W. Winnicott.

Question 17

splitting

Answer 17

A psychoanalytic term in which object representations are viewed dichotomously (e.g., all good or all bad, “black or white”).