Theories of Counseling:
Psychoanalytic Theory
PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University.
“This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:

any public performance or display, including transmission of an image over a network;

preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images;

any rental, lease, or lending of the program.”
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Background

Sigmund Freud launched the fields of counseling and psychotherapy.

Freud's conception regarding the development of neurosis arose from his
studies in hysteria and hypnosis.

Pleasure Principle: Human motivation is guided by the drive to seek
pleasure.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Background

Other prominent contributors include: Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Harry Stack
Sullivan, Theodore Reik, Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney and
Eric Fromm.

All of the aforementioned practitioners were at one time disciples of Freud
but left to form their own schools.

Many psychoanalytic principles were incorporated into later developing
theories.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Basic Tenets

Id, Ego and Superego: The three parts of the personality.

Stages of Development: Oral, anal, phallic, latency period and genital.

Defense mechanisms: Repression, projection, reaction formation,
fixation, regression.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Basic Tenets

To become a practitioner of psychoanalysis, one must complete a long
training process of many years, which is open only to M.D.’s and Ph.D’s.

Id, Ego, Superego and intrapsychic conflicts: Psychological symptoms
are self-defeating patterns brought on by internal struggles.

The past: Current problems stem from unresolved issues that occurred in
early childhood.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Basic Tenets

Dreams: Dreams are viewed as the gateway to the unconscious.

Catharsis: The release of pent-up emotion.

Corrective Emotional Experience: The therapist helps clients alter their
self-perceptions and behavior.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Treatment Procedures

Therapy is long-term and focuses on exploring unconscious issues
through interpretation, dream analysis, free association, transference and
other methods.

Detachment: The therapist is detached, objective and neutral so that the
client can project onto the therapist things from the client’s unconscious.

Transference: Traditionally, transference is a projection of unconscious
desires onto the therapist.

Countertransference: This are projections the therapist makes onto the
client.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Contemporary Theories

Object Relations Theory: Also sees the past as a strong influence on
behavior but also looks at the present and creates a more empathic,
supportive relationship in which to foster a more secure attachment.

Self-Psychology Theory: Doesn’t just explore the past but also here-andnow issues. Defenses are identified in a sensitive manner leading to
greater ego strength and resilience.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Contemporary Developments

Many contemporary psychoanalytic practitioners have abandoned many
of Freud’s original tenets (e.g. the couch).

Therapy has become more brief.

Sessions focus both on the past and on the present.

Focus in on identified goals and not a entire restructuring of the
personality.

Contemporary psychoanalytic theories are especially helpful for borderline
and narcissistic personalities.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
General Principles

Help the person to tell his or her story.

Establish a solid working alliance.

Deal with resistance.

Gather background information and history.

Select the problem or issue to be worked on.

Explore the precipitating events.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
General Principles

Collaborate with the client to form a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Increase the client’s awareness regarding defensiveness.

Revisit resistance to interventions.

Explore the client’s transference.

Monitor the therapist’s countertransference.

Examine how the past is impacting the present.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
General Principles

Help the client behave more effectively.

Provide feedback and confront discrepancies.

Negotiate with the client regarding homework assignments.

Remind the client of the termination date.

End therapy as agreed upon with the client.

Schedule follow-up as needed.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Limitations

Doesn’t take all the client’s needs into consideration. (e.g. sometimes
clients have a need to be alone or regress.)

Psychoanalysis isn’t for everyone and it is still long in duration compared
to more brief theories.

The writings of some psychoanalytic theorists (Freud and Jung In
particular) are technical and hard to read.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Psychoanalytic Theory
Use with Diverse Populations

Psychoanalytic theory tends to be seen as male and elitist in origin.

Has sexist concepts such as “penis envy.”

Patriarchy and domination are often associated with it.

Can be useful in helping diverse groups learn how to present their
concerns in relationship to past oppressive history.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”
Resources
Ivey, A. E., D’Andrea, M., Ivey, M. B. and Morgan, L. S. (2002). Theories of counseling
and psychotherapy: A multicultural perspective, 5th ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn &
Bacon.
James, R. K. & Gilliland, B. E. (2003). Theories and strategies in counseling and
psychotherapy, 5th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Kottler, J. A. (2002). Theories in counseling and therapy: An experiential approach.
Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”