Running Head: Second Force 1

Second Force: Freudian Classical Psychoanalysis

Kimberly Yatim

John F. Kennedy University

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Second Force: Freudian Classical Psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud’s view of psychoanalysis is deterministic suggesting that the unconscious

is responsible for one’s behavior. Freud felt that meaning could be accorded to every thought and

every behavior and that thought and behaviors were not random occurrences. Thoughts are either

conscious or unconscious and are triggered by a preceding event or events. Freud disputed the

occurrence of spontaneous mental events, and explored the manner in which events link to one

another. One of the purposes of psychoanalytic therapy is to extricate thoughts, instincts,

memories, and feelings relegated to the unconscious and bring them to the conscious state.

Recovering material from the unconscious in conjunction with analysis should result in the

patient’s ability to make better choices and ultimately lead a happier, more successful, life.

Through analysis, memories, thoughts, experiences, and feelings are released from the

subconscious. After this material is exposed, the analyst assists with dissection of the

experiences, feelings and can also afford interpretation of such experiences. Analysis enables the

patient to modify personality and character through acquisition of new behaviors, as well as gain

enlightenment as to those past experiences that necessitated the need for change. An important

aspect of psychoanalytic theory is not only achieving insight, but actually experiencing the

feelings and memories associated with the repressed material.

Freud mapped the mind categorizing it into the conscious, unconscious, and

preconscious. The conscious, smallest of the three, is that of which we are aware at any given

moment. The preconscious holds memories that are accessible and such thoughts are those of a

functioning consciousness. The unconscious is comprised of repressed experiences and

memories and, although the thoughts and memories are suppressed, they indirectly affect
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consciousness. Neuroses occur at the unconscious level and due to the fact that the unconscious

cannot be scrutinized, it is necessary to observe and draw inference from behavior. Through

analysis of symptoms that arise from thoughts and feelings in the unconscious, the analyst can

employ therapeutic measures to alleviate the neuroses.

Freud’s research led him to theorize that the psyche was comprised of three components,

the id, the ego, and the superego. These constructs do not operate individually but rather in

conjunction with each other, allowing the personality to be viewed in its entirety. Freud

considered each person as an energy system wherein energy is divided among the three

personality components in varying amounts which ultimately determines behavior.

Id, the biological component of the personality, is largely unconscious and holds thoughts

that have never been considered, thoughts that have been denied or thoughts that are

unacceptable to the conscious. The id does not undergo change with maturity, nor does it have a

connection with the external world. The id is disorganized and simple and has no concept of

good, evil or moral. The ego and superego arise from the id and the personality derives its

energy from the id. Classical psychotherapy focuses on the id and underlying aspects of

personality.

Created by the id, the ego corresponds to the both the external world and the internal

world. The ego controls voluntary movement and seeks to ensure the safety of the individual.

The ego constantly relates to the id coping with stress induced by the id. The ego houses

intelligence and rationalism and performs logical and reality-based thinking. The ego also has the

responsibility to satisfy needs induced by anxiety.

The superego arises from the ego and has three major functions—that of conscience, self-

observation and formation of ideals. The superego imposes its authority upon what transpires
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within the ego. The superego yearns for perfection and is an acknowledgment of moral and

societal norms and values particular to the family unit. As such, self-love and pride and guilt and

inferiority surface from the individual’s incorporation of family and social standards.

As well, Freud’s research led to the theory that a person expends a great deal of energy to

keep painful or unhappy memories locked in the unconscious, preventing them from emerging

into awareness. The energy required to suppress such thoughts interferes with one’s ability to use

energy to create a happy and productive existence. Freud coined the term ‘defense mechanism’

to describe the means by which an individual relegates a painful memory or feeling in the

unconscious. Defense mechanisms occur unconsciously and either alter or deny reality.

Ego defense mechanisms deny or distort reality and stem from the unconscious level. By

denying or distorting reality, a person does not have to face an occurrence. If used moderately

defense mechanisms are beneficial and prevent the ego from becoming overwhelmed. However

if defense mechanisms are used to excess, an individual is not able to appropriately deal with

reality. Ego defense mechanisms include repression denial, reaction formation, projection,

displacement, rationalization sublimation, regression, introjection, identification and

compensation.

When repressed feelings, memories, desires and experiences come into awareness, a state

of tension can occur which is known as anxiety. Anxiety arises when danger is imminent and its

function is to alert us to that danger. Anxiety occurs when the id, ego, and superego compete for

available psychic energy. Anxiety is categorized into three groups: reality, neurotic, and moral. If

the external world threatens an individual, reality anxiety materializes in relationship to the

degree of severity of the danger. Neurotic anxiety arises when one fears punishment due

to pursuit of instinctual drives. When one’s conscious is looked upon as a threat, this results in
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moral anxiety. An individual relies upon ego defense behaviors when the conscious is not well-

developed and employs defense mechanisms to control anxiety.

Events triggered by loss often arouse anxiety in a person and such loss may be associated

with a desired object, loss of love, loss of identity or loss of love for self. When loss occurs, one

may deal directly with the situation which diminishes anxiety and decreases the potential of

future repercussions related to the event. Conversely, by employing an ego defense mechanism

to deal with the anxiety-arousing situation, the event will be denied or distorted; denial or

distortion will assuage the present but will manifest itself in the future. If used moderately

defense mechanisms are beneficial and prevent the ego from becoming overwhelmed. However

if defense mechanisms are used to excess, an individual is not able to appropriately deal with

reality. Ego defense mechanisms include repression denial, reaction formation, projection,

displacement, rationalization sublimation, regression, introjection, identification and

compensation.

The mechanism of projection is that of self-deception and occurs when one attributes (or

projects) undesirable impulses and desires unto others. The individual believes that others

possess such impulses, but in truth, it is the person who projects that actually holds these

instincts. Shadow work allows for confrontation with such impulses and desires as well as the

release that occurs when the body internalizes the feelings. Both the psychotherapeutic process

and shadow work with transmutation of emotions are techniques to address hidden aspects of the

self.

When projection is curtailed, one is able to function more authentically and experiences a

sense of freedom and vibrancy. A sense of well-being is derived when energy formerly

employed in projection is recouped and utilized for other activities. Admiration abounds for
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Freud’s ‘insight as to the nature of the shadow’ and acknowledgement that this aspect of Freud’s

work has been undeniably established by researchers and therapists over the years (Wilber,

Patten, Leonard, & Morelli, 2008).

Freud postulated that irrational forces, unconscious motivations, and instinctual drives

manifested during the first six years of life determine our behavior. Personal and social

development stem from the events and occurrences during this time of life. Life instincts equate

to survival of the individual as well as the human race and pleasurable acts characterize this

category of behavior. At times a person may behave in such a manner that may cause harm to

individual and such behaviors are referred to as death instincts.

An impulse arises from an individual’s need to reduce a tension and employs different

activities in order to accomplish this end. An impulse is a pressure to act in order to achieve a

wish or satisfy a need. An impulse is comprised of a source, an aim, an impetus and an object.

The source is actually the need that one experiences; the aim then arises seeking to reduce the

tension associated with the need. The impetus is that amount of energy expended to achieve

reduction of tension which produces the object, the thing or actions that satisfies the need.

Tension reduction occurs when a need necessitates activity to quell the anxiety associated with

the need allowing return to a relaxed status.

Freud’s research distinguished the developmental stages of a maturing individual and the

correlating physical gratification associated with each developmental stage. Beginning at birth,

the oral stage involves satisfying hunger, thirst, and fatigue. If a comforting and soothing manner

is employed to meet these needs, the infant associates pleasure with the occurrence and tension is

reduced. Throughout life, one continues to imbibe in oral pleasures; however, oral gratification
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can be considered pathological if used for the release of anxiety or tension. A fear of loving, the

inability to form close relationships and low self-esteem appear to arise in later years due to

issues that occur at this stage.

The anal stage occurs between the ages of two and four focusing on urination and

defecation and associations with this area of learning. (MORE) Excessive orderliness,

parsimoniousness and obstinacy characterize a fixation that arises from unhappy associations in

this aspect of childhood. Issues that arise at this stage can interfere with one’s ability to express

anger and loss of personal power and independence.

A child first develops an awareness of sexual differences during the phallic stage which

occurs as early as age three. Based on his observations, Freud presumed that children, both male

and female, generate fears regarding sex during this stage. At this early time in life, a child may

view his parents’ loving relationship towards one another as a threat to the child’s needs for love

and affection. Issues that occur during the phallic stage can interfere with acceptance of sexuality

and sexual feelings as well as difficulties with identification in terms of male and female.

Freud believed that during the phallic stage, a young boy seeks the love of his mother and

at the same time fears castration by his father. In the Fifth Century B.C., Sophocles depicted the

concept of a young boy seeking the love of his mother in his Greek drama Oedipus the King.

Oedipus was unaware of the identities of his parents and unknowingly kills his father and then

marries his mother. Later, Oedipus learns the truth whereupon the hero inflicts injury upon

himself. On the other hand, a young girl seeking her father’s love, views her mother as a threat

to obtaining his love. Girls do not suffer to the degree that boys do and continue to maintain an

association with this stage until late in life. (More)

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Shortly after the age of five years and until adolescence, a child turns his or her attentions

to peers, and community and school-related activities, thus altering the attachment to parents.

This is a period of socialization when the child seeks friendships and relationships outside of the

immediate family. This is known as the latency period and is a time when the superego represses

the sexual urges of the phallic stage.

The onset of puberty around the age of 12 ushers in Freud’s final developmental stage,

the genital stage, in which children acknowledge their sexual identities and seek to fulfill sexual

needs. A child learns ways to expend sexual energy through socially acceptable outlets such as

friendships, the arts, community and school-related activities and preparation for post high

school goals. The genital stage continues throughout life.

Two distinct therapeutic goals of psychoanalysis include reduction of the unconscious

while increasing the conscious and, concurrently, strengthening of the ego. Strengthening of the

ego allows for emergence of reality based behavior rather than behavior that results from

instincts and irrational guilt. Analysis of the patient’s personality and character, combined with

therapy, allows the conscious to surface. This is mainly accomplished through transference

relationship, concentrating on childhood memories. Delving into the formerly unconscious

enables the client to develop an understanding of past experiences. Therapy also involves the

experiencing of formerly repressed feelings and memories which is then followed by self-

understanding. Ultimately, the patient is able to engage in work to implement behavioral

changes.

The ‘blank screen’ approach is key to classical psychoanalysis and affords a means for a

creation of a transference relationship. Transference allows exploration of the past with

application to the present. The analyst in the classical approach is detached and non-
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participatory; rather, the analyst serves as a ‘blank screen’ assuming ideas, attitudes and physical

characteristics of the patient’s past associations. To achieve transference, the patient projects or

transfers feelings from an early experience associated with persons from the past unto the

analyst. Projections arise from repressed situations. Additionally, the therapist’s role is to offer

commentary, interpretation, and insight as to what has transpired in the session and suggests

related areas to investigate. where it is there I will be

Free association is central to the classical psychoanalysis therapeutic process and is a

method used by the therapist to cull past experiences from the patient’s unconscious. This

method requires that the patient lie on a couch, facing away from the analyst. The patient then

verbalizes immediate thoughts as to feelings, experiences, memories, fantasies, and associations.

During this process of recollection, catharsis can occur, which is a deep release of intense

feelings that arises from the repressed thoughts. During the free association process, the analyst

evaluates the sequence of associations and determines what material arouses anxiety in the

patient. The analyst is then able to discuss past events and clarify meaning of those occurrences.

According to Freud, dreams are the “royal road to the unconscious” and analysis of

dreams can determine the patient’s wishes, needs, and fears. A dream is not a random happening,

but appears in response to a need that stems from the limitations of the reality of daily life or

instinctual urges or desires. Dreams are comprised latent content and manifest content. Pain and

aggression characterize the latent content of a dream; however, the dreamer translates the latent

content into an acceptable version—that of manifest content. The term ‘dream work’ denotes the

process in which latent content is translated into manifest content. Through analysis and

interpretation of dream elements, the therapist assists the patient to transmute manifest content to
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latent content. Dream analysis involves interpretation of a dream which then allows material to

be uncovered from the unconscious.

Classical psychoanalysis affords the opportunity to examine behavior and the means to

extract feelings, memories, and instincts, from the recesses of the unconscious. Freud’s

significant contributions in psychoanalysis, including the conceptual framework of the process,

have enabled patients to understand reasons for their behavior ultimately allowing for

modification. When a patient exhibits resistance, the analyst must then encourage the patient to

commit to analysis and to come to grips with the processes of inner examination. Additionally,

psychoanalysis can afford some sort of resolution to a patient’s unhappiness and painful

memories. Analysis can educate the patient as to ego defenses and reasons for their occurrence

and how to stem the use of them. Finally the use of transference and counter transference is a

significant device

On the other hand, there is a limited number of psychoanalytic therapists available to

provide such treatment. As well the cost of psychotherapeutic analysis can be prohibitive as well

as the large commitment of time that a patient must devote to analysis to resolve deep-rooted

issues. As well, another potential drawback in some, but perhaps not all approaches, could be

that of the anonymous role or blank screen assumed by the therapist to facilitate transference

may not be as well received by today’s patient.

As I become acquainted with Freud and Freudian psychoanalytic therapy, I believe it

would be an exhilarating to experience classical analysis. Realistically, however, the constraints

of time and expense will prevent me from seeking the services of a psychotherapist. The concept

of the blank slate and the technique of transference, intrigue me. While reading our textbook and

acquainting myself with neuroses and ego defense mechanisms, I caught my breath realizing that
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my personality does indeed reflect such symptoms and behaviors. What, then, are the underlying

feelings experiences, instincts and thoughts that are locked in my unconscious? As I learn this

material, I feel relief rush through me. ’ I now want to deal with unsettling occurrences rather

than deny or distort them. I find myself consumed with learning everything ‘psychology.’

Personally, I am at a crossroads in my life. I must make choices, but I am unsure as to the

right choices. I want to make the best choices, but I am somewhat stymied as to what constitutes

the best choices. I do believe past events have great bearing on my current situation. I believe it

would be beneficial to consult a therapist (perhaps humanistic or existential) to offer guidance

and insight to some of these issues. I am, however, certain that my decision to enroll at JFK is an

excellent choice. Knowledge is power.

I know everyone dreams; however, I find that I am unable to recall my dreams. I have no

idea what has occupied my mind during a night’s sleep. Of course, I realize that a patient must

be able to express content of a dream to the analyst for interpretation. I would like to know about

my dreams and understand elements and content. Examination and interpretation of inner- most

expressions via classical psychoanalysis would inform me of needs or wish fulfillment. Freud

asserts that the forgetting of dreams is ‘evidently a complex phenomenon’ and factors associated

with forgetfulness when awake are applicable to the inability to remember dreams. (Freud. n.d.)

Egoic level work is uncovering work and the term psychoanalysis coined by Freud is the

process of uncovering, remembering, re-experiencing, releasing, and reintegrating.

Psychoanalysis delves into the early conflicted child-parent relationship with the aim to bring

resolution to issues that have been suppressed in the unconscious. Psychoanalysis affords the

opportunity to develop a healthy ego even in the midst of buffeting by the external environment

and the delicately-balanced relationship shared with superego and the id. Through
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psychoanalysis, repressed energy returns to consciousness which is then utilized by the ego. The

goal of psychoanalysis is to enable a patient to live a more satisfying life.

Now, many decades have passed since Freud’s psychoanalytic methods became accepted

and utilized by the physicians of the day. Through the years his techniques have been adapted

and incorporated into modern psychotherapeutic approaches. However, Freud’s body of work,

which encompasses both the theory and the therapy, remains controversial, drawing both

criticism and praise. Ken Wilber (2000) is unequivocal in his stance:

And, in fact, we are at an extremely auspicious moment in human evolution,

because, for the first time in history, we have access to both Freud and Buddha.
The profound discoveries of the modern West –the whole notion of a psycho-
dynamic unconscious, which is really found nowhere else—these discoveries can
be integrated with the mystical or contemplative traditions, both East and West,
for a more “full spectrum” approach. (p. 232)

Wilber exalts Freud and his unique contributions in the field of psychology and lauds the

significance of the gifts of the East and the West. Wilber acknowledges that each are integrated

into the full spectrum approach.

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References

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.).

Belmont, CA: Thomson.

Fadiman, J., & Frager, R. (2002). Personality and personal growth (5th ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Freud, S. (n.d.). The Interpretation of dreams [p. 37]. Retrieved from

http://books.google.com/books?id=- DPwME23Rg8C&dq=freud+dream+work

&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=FJsUS8GYBJD4sQPB77WDBA&sa

=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage

&q=freud %20dream%20work&f=false

Wilber, K. (2000). A Brief history of everything [p.232]. Retrieved from

http://books.google.com/books?id=c9shMX7HLY0C&pg=PT258&lpg=PT258&dq

=freud+ken+wilber&source=bl&ots=VSCKsLrh_5&sig=nRgwvhzcxdOJIF1JkSY

OiAT0GQQ&hl=en&ei=I8ANS9jdAZCuswP64OHLCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&

ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Wilber, K., Patten, T., Leonard, A., & Morelli, M. (2008). Integral life practice.

Boston: Integral Books.