1. Psychoanalytic approach

The psychoanalytic approach has made significant contributions in the psychology field. It provides a comprehensive and detailed system of personality. It emphasizes on how unconscious determines individuals behaviors. It also highlights the profound effect of early childhood development as well as providing a manual for tapping unconscious. Practitioners can apply several factors with non-analytic orientations such as understanding resistance manifestation, the manifestation of transference and counter transference in the therapy relationship, dealing with early trauma and the functioning of the ego-defense mechanism.

Despite the significant contributions of this approach, I would not incorporate it in my counseling session. This is because it has several limitations that would make it difficult for the session. For instance, it involves lengthy training for the therapist and also expensive to the client both in time and money. Besides, the model is not applicable in all sessions since it is based on the study of neurotic individuals and not healthy people. The model also fails to consider cultural, social and interpersonal factors.

2. Freud’s theory contribution

Freud is regarded as the founder of psychoanalysis.  He has made various contributions in psychology which have received mixed reactions from different quarters. However, one of his major contributions to psychoanalysis is the theory that unconscious motives control much behavior. His theory has contributed a lot in treating the mentally ill in what was fondly referred to as “the talking cure.” He advanced the system unconscious where he classified it into three parts namely; Ego, super-ego, and id. The id refers to the process of thinking, superego our conscience and the ego struck the difference between the ego and the id.

This can be termed as the greatest contribution since it is practiced in the modern medical practices. The use of human behavior to treat mental illness is common. Freud would encourage patients to talk freely regarding their symptoms and the state of mind. From the Freud’s work, it is evident that unconscious mind governs behavior to a greater degree than what people would expect.

3. Letter to Freud

First is to thank you for the great contribution you made to the discipline of psychology. Your main theory of the unconscious and human behavior is one of the greatest works that we will linger in our minds forever. From this work, there are conclusions that our conscious thoughts and actions are to a great extent influenced by unconscious fears and desires. This seems to be true because most of the times my desires and unconscious plays a better role in my decisions.

I would like to take this opportunity to your work which has been greatly used in the modern psychology and psychiatry. Though there are some parts of your work that is not fully embraced, your talk to cure is widely used in the treatment of mental illness. I would also urge to carry out empirical research with scientific prove in your future work. This will be critical in ensuring practicability of such theories and will pass the test of time. Once again I take this chance to offer a congratulatory message to you for your great work.

4. Psychodynamic therapy

It is a part of psychoanalysis that is also known as the insight oriented therapy. It focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The approach’s main objective is client’s self-awareness and understanding how the past can influence the present behavior. It helps in recognizing recurring patterns and develops defense mechanisms by taking steps critical to changing such patterns. Feelings, emotions and thoughts of the client take center stage during psychodynamic therapy.

This therapy is very helpful especially in managing distressful events. Therapists will encourage clients to speak freely about their desires, emotions and fears to develop a defense mechanism. It can be very helpful especially in treating mental illness. The therapy assumes that by understanding the past, one can easily solve the current problems.

5. Psychoanalysis and Christianity

For a long time, psychology and Christianity have had a conflicting relationship.  Although there are some instances where Christian counselors adopt psychological theories in their work, most are the time where the two disciplines are at conflict. For instance, psychoanalytic theory treats God as an illusion which is against the biblical and Christian point of view. From the Freud’s point of view, the superego is a product of social influence. This is a contrast to the biblical teachings where superego is a product of changing from our old sinful days to the new godly nature.

Nevertheless, there are some instances where psychoanalysis augurs well with Christianity. For instance, Christianity recommends that we should have mercy on one another. On this note, Christian counselors must integrate the psychoanalysis and Christian beliefs to help those mentally ill.   The issue of talking cure is in line with the Christianity as well as the psychoanalysis.

6. Adlerian vs. Freud’s theory

Freud and Adler made the major contribution to the psychoanalytic approach. However, their works had some distinguishing factors that should be considered. For instance, Adler believed that human beings should be analyzed as a whole and not segmented parts id, ego, and superego, in the case of Freud. It is also worth noting that Freud had a lot of emphasis on sexuality whereas Adler emphasized on social and cultural factors. Conscious and not unconscious forms the center of personality.

Adler’s approach looks appealing to me.   This is because the approach is more humanistic and has been integrated well with many other therapies.

7. Adlerian approach self-assessment

The questionnaire is very important for a therapeutic relationship. This is because it gives an insight of the social and cultural background essential for understanding my personality. The information collected by the questionnaire is critical for Adlerian therapy. For instance, the birth order theory is explained by answering the question on the number of siblings and the differences in attitudes and outlook. It is, however, important to note that there are some connections between my past and the person I am today. I have developed as a person where I can now make my decisions. Issues of inferiority have also been dealt with over time. I can also trace some of my personalities from both my mother and dad. My strive for success and superiority has developed since my childhood days to the present and could have some impact on my psychological health.

8. Capacity to resolve one’s problems

In my personal view, I don’t think that person-centered therapy can be successful. This is because there are numerous limitations to this approach. For instance, it is difficult for the individual to create a therapeutic relationship with oneself. This calls for a reflective session of the person which is not an easy task. Congruence and realism may not always be achieved in such a setting since the concept of interaction is greatly missed. The session may also be very empathetic rather than facing the challenge as another therapeutic session would reach. Self-critics are at times difficult to achieve thus making person-centered therapy unsuccessful. Another important reason I think the session cannot be a success is the fact that individuals may lack essential skills and competencies necessary for a therapy session.

Reference

Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth.

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