Psychoanalytical School of Psychology: Understanding Freudian Theory and Practice| What is Psychoanalysis?| Stages of Psychosexual Development ~ Dr Manju Antil (Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist)

As one of the most influential schools of psychology, psychoanalysis has had a profound impact on our understanding of the human mind and behavior. Developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the psychoanalytical school of psychology is based on the belief that our unconscious thoughts and feelings play a significant role in shaping our behavior and emotions. In this article, we will explore the key concepts of psychoanalysis, including the role of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and the stages of psychosexual development.

What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a school of psychology that aims to treat mental disorders by exploring the unconscious mind. According to Freud, our unconscious thoughts and emotions have a significant influence on our behavior and can cause psychological problems when they conflict with our conscious desires and motivations.

The Role of the Unconscious

The unconscious is a vast and complex realm of the mind that consists of repressed memories, desires, and feelings. These unconscious thoughts and emotions are often in conflict with our conscious beliefs and values, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Psychoanalysis aims to bring these unconscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, allowing individuals to gain a better understanding of themselves and their behavior.

Defense Mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that we use to protect ourselves from unpleasant emotions, such as anxiety, guilt, and shame. According to Freud, defense mechanisms operate at an unconscious level, and we are often unaware of them. Some common defense mechanisms include repression, denial, projection, and rationalization.

Stages of Psychosexual Development

According to Freud, our personality develops through a series of psychosexual stages. These stages are characterized by specific conflicts and challenges that must be resolved to progress to the next stage successfully. The stages include the oral stage, the anal stage, the phallic stage, the latent stage, and the genital stage.

Psychoanalytical Therapy

Psychoanalytical therapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to treat mental health issues by exploring the unconscious mind. The therapist works with the patient to uncover repressed thoughts and emotions, providing insight into their behavior and emotions. Psychoanalytical therapy can be a lengthy and intensive process, requiring patients to attend multiple sessions per week for an extended period.

Criticisms of Psychoanalysis

While psychoanalysis has had a significant impact on our understanding of the human mind, it has also faced criticism from many in the scientific community. Some argue that the psychoanalytical approach lacks empirical support and relies too heavily on subjective interpretations. Others criticize the therapy for being too time-consuming and expensive.

The Legacy of Psychoanalysis

Despite its criticisms, the psychoanalytical school of psychology has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the human mind and behavior. It has inspired numerous other schools of thought, including humanistic psychology and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Today, many mental health professionals still use psychoanalytical techniques to treat patients, making it a vital part of the field of psychology.

In conclusion, the psychoanalytical school of psychology has had a significant impact on our understanding of the human mind and behavior. Its emphasis on the unconscious mind and the importance of exploring our repressed thoughts and emotions has inspired many other schools of thought and continues to influence the field of psychology today.