Psycoanalysis essays

Psycoanalysis essays Psychoanalysis is based on the observation that individuals are often unaware of many of the factors that determine their emotions and behavior. These unconscious factors may create unhappiness or difficulties in work and in love relationships, or disturbances in mood and self-esteem. Known as the "father of psychology," Sigmund Freud developed many of the first theories of modern physiology. He put forth many new concepts about sexuality, consciousness, unconsciousness and instincts. It was these concepts that enabled him to found the school of psychology known as psychoanalysis. The cornerstone of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis is the interpretation of dreams. Freud called dream-interpretation the "via reggia," or the "royal road" to the unconscious, and it is his theory of dreams that has best stood the test of time over a period of more than seventy years. Many of his insights into the human mind, which were revolutionary at the turn of the century, are now widely accepted by most schools of psychology. Although others before and during his time had begun to realize the role of unconscious mental activity, Freud was the first one to really understand its importance. Through his extensive work with patients and through his theories, he showed that factors which influence thought and action exist outside of awareness, that unconscious conflict plays a part in determining both normal and abnormal behavior. Over time, new ideas have improved upon the field, and psychoanalytic practice has adapted and expanded. Like Freud, psychoanalysts believe that psychoanalysis is the strongest and most sophisticated tool for obtaining further knowledge of the mind, and that by using this knowledge, patients are able to free themselves from the mental suffering they endure. Freud developed theories about the parts of the conscious and unconscious, which developed during the first ...