CNL-500 Freuds Psychoanalytic Theory_Salvesen,Nick
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Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory
Nick Salvesen
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
CNL-500: Theories and Models of Counseling
Dr. Julius Austin
8.16.23
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Psychoanalytic Theory
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory is a foundational framework in psychology that
revolutionized the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Freud's theory
emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior, thoughts, and
emotions. At its core, psychoanalytic theory proposes that unconscious conflicts, often stemming
from early childhood experiences, shape individuals' psyche and potentially contribute to mental
health concerns.
The theory consists of three main components: the conscious, preconscious, and
unconscious mind (Murdock, 2017). It introduces concepts such as the id, ego, and superego,
representing different aspects of personality that interact and influence behavior. Psychoanalysis,
the therapeutic technique derived from this theory, aims to uncover unconscious conflicts by
utilizing methods like free association, dream analysis, and transference. In mental health
counseling, Freud's psychoanalytic theory offers several benefits. It provides a broad framework
for understanding the relationship between conscious and unconscious processes that contribute
to mental distress (Lapsley & Stey, 2011). By understanding a client’s unconscious thoughts
counselors may better understand conflicts and unresolved issues that may be contributing to
sources of mental distress.
Counseling Goals and Intervention Strategies
In relation to Freud's psychoanalytic approach, the goals of counseling for Ana will be to
better understand her unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that may be contributing to
her current psychological distress. One key objective will be to explore the unconscious anxieties
and conflicts related to her job loss, husband's deployment, and fears of homelessness. The
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counselor will aim to bring these hidden conflicts to conscious awareness, providing Ana
additional insight and potentially aiding in a resolution.
Intervention strategies in line with Freud's approach will include techniques such as free
association and dream analysis. Ana will be encouraged to freely express her thoughts and
feelings without censorship, allowing access to unconscious material. This process will help in
understanding repressed emotions and potential sources of distress (Elsey & Joffe, 2014). In
addition, exploring Ana’s dreams may provide insight into her unconscious concerns and
conflicts. The counselor may also utilize transference and countertransference dynamics to
understand Ana's relationships and emotional experiences. By providing a safe and non-
judgmental environment, the counselor will be able to assist Ana's in uncovering some of Ana’s
emotional distress.
Ultimately, the psychoanalytic counseling process aims to alleviate Ana's symptoms by
making the unconscious conscious, promoting insight, and resolving hidden conflicts. It seeks to
provide her with a deeper understanding of her emotions, anxieties, and relationships,
empowering her to address her challenges with greater self-awareness and psychological
resilience (
American Psychoanalytic Association
, 2023).
Treatment Plan
Treatment for Ana involves a deep exploration of her unconscious conflicts and early
experiences that contribute to her psychological distress. This therapeutic approach is typically
long-term and intensive, extending over a period of several months to even years, allowing for a
comprehensive analysis of underlying issues.
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Counselors Role
The counselor plays the role of interpreter and facilitator. In the initial stages, the
counselor creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment where Ana can freely express her
thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Ana engages in free association, allowing her to articulate her
thoughts without censorship. The counselor listens actively and provides interpretations that shed
light on the unconscious. Throughout therapy, the counselor helps Ana analyze dreams, repressed
memories, and emotional responses. These interpretations offer insight into the root causes of her
depression and psychological distress. The therapist may also use transference and
countertransference dynamics to explore Ana's relationships and emotional experiences,
providing further insights into her unconscious conflicts (Parth et al., 2017).
Clients Role
For Ana, the therapeutic experience involves exploring her unconscious conflicts and
recognizing how they impact her emotions and behaviors. As she gains insight into her past
experiences, family dynamics, and cultural influences, she becomes more conscious of the
connections between these factors and her current struggles. The termination of therapy occurs
when Ana achieves a more comprehensive understanding of her unconscious processes and has
developed healthy coping mechanisms. The counselor's role in termination involves helping Ana
integrate these insights into her daily life, providing increased emotional resilience and personal
growth.
Overall, Freud's psychoanalytic approach requires a collaborative effort between
counselor and client (Murdock, 2017). The counselor guides Ana through introspection and
interpretation, while Ana actively engages in self-exploration and gains insight into her
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unconscious conflicts. This therapeutic relationship allows Ana to address her psychological
challenges and work towards emotional well-being.
Social and Cultural Needs
Ana's upbringing, cultural values, and experiences as a first-generation immigrant may
impact her coping mechanisms, identity formation, and emotional responses. By exploring the
unconscious motivations of Ana, it may provide insight into how these cultural influences relate
with her distress. For instance, her hesitation to ask for help despite her family's apparent wealth
could be tied to cultural values. By uncovering unconscious conflicts related to her family
relationships, upbringing, and cultural background, psychoanalytic therapy helps Ana to gain a
deeper understanding of how these factors contribute to her current psychological struggles. This
self-awareness can lead to more effective coping strategies and personal growth, as she learns to
navigate the complex interplay between her social and cultural context and her psychological
well-being.
Additional Client Information and Insights
Additional information and insights pertinent to Ana’s case revolves around Ana’s
cultural background, as well as Ana’s family of origin. Ana shared important details of her family
of origin, pertaining to financial status, as well as the professional accolades of her siblings. Ana
may have unmet cultural needs relating to her up bringing in Guatemala. Additionally, some of
the behavioral observations of Ana speak volumes. She feels alone, and isolated in a new country
with little support. Upon intake Ana was 30 minutes early, tearful, shaking, and new to mental
health counseling. Ana needs support, kindness, and understanding during this time. A
compassionate, understanding, and non-bias counselor will help Ana alleviate some of her
distress.
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Risk of Psychoanalytic Theory
Utilizing Freud's psychoanalytic theory presents a potential risk for counselors due to the
duration of treatment and focus on unconscious processes. The long-term nature of therapy may
require substantial time and financial commitment from clients, potentially limiting accessibility
for individuals with financial or time constraints. The interpretation of the unconscious requires a
high level of skill and experience for the counselor. Counselors must be cautious not to overly
emphasize past experiences at the expense of addressing immediate concerns. Additionally, there
is expressed concern that Sigmund Freud, and his psychoanalytic theory lacked inclusion of
cultural competence. Aron and Starr (2013) described Freud’s self-representation, seated within
an anti-Semitic Vienna, as “simultaneously insider and outsider, observer and observed, male
scientist and circumcised Jew” (p. 230). This may be a concern, given Ana’s background as a
female and first-generation immigrant from Guatemala.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Psychoanalytic Theory is a proven, effective treatment theory for mental
health counselors. There are numerous factors to consider in Ana’s particular case, and future
cases. Psychoanalytic Theory provides a broad overview of understanding the underlying
conditions a client may be presented with, while providing greater insight to the client in an
effort to address those concerns.. This theory may take a substantial amount of time to make
progress, and as a result may be costly with the number of sessions involved. Overall, this is a
tried and well vetted theory that has the potential to alleviate mental distress.
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References
Aron, L., & Starr, K. (2013). A psychotherapy for the people: Toward a progressive
psychoanalysis. New York, NY: Routledge
Joffe, Hélène & Elsey, Jamie. (2014). Free Association in Psychology and the Grid Elaboration
Method. Review of General Psychology. 18. 173-185. 10.1037/gpr0000014.
Lapsley, D., & Stey, P. (2011).
Id, Ego, and Superego
(pp. 1–9). Elsevier.
https://maplab.nd.edu/assets/224926/id_ego_superego_encyclopedia_of_human_behavior
Murdock, N. L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy:
A case approach. Pearson
Parth, K., Datz, F., Seidman, C., & Löffler-Stastka, H. (2017). Transference and
countertransference: A review.
Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
,
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(2), 167–211.
https://doi.org/10.1521/bumc.2017.81.2.167
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy – American Psychoanalytic Association
. (2023). American
Psychoanalytic Association. https://apsa.org/about-psychoanalysis/psychoanalytic-
psychotherapy/
Tummala-Narra, P. (2015). Cultural competence as a core emphasis of psychoanalytic
psychotherapy.
Psychoanalytic Psychology
,
32
(2), 275–292.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034041
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