Below is an overview of the psychoanalytic concepts at the center of these training programs. Concepts are presented alphabetically, so some terminology used may be explained further down the list. \n
Confrontation is done prior to an intervention where the patient is encouraged to attend to experiences that they have been avoiding.
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Countertransference refers to the analyst\u2019s feelings and attitudes towards the patient, their reaction to the patient\u2019s transference, how their own experiences impact their understanding of and their emotional responses to the patient.
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Defense Mechanisms operate at the unconscious level and are used by the ego as a way to reduce negative feelings such as anxiety and guilt, and deal with conflict or problems in life. Common defense mechanisms include repression, denial, and projection.
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Denial is an individual\u2019s refusal to confront aspects of a given reality to avoid potential feelings of discomfort. While commonly defined as a type of defense mechanism, denial \u2013 which Freud called \u2018disavowal\u2019 \u2013 plays a role in all defense mechanisms.
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Dreams are mental events that consists of hallucinations involving imagery and emotions. According to Freud, current concerns and unconscious childhood wishes are present during the day and require gratification, and dreams allow us to respond to these demands while continuing to sleep. For example, a person who is thirsty dreams about drinking water which allows them to continue sleeping rather than having to wake up and satisfy their thirst.
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Ego is that portion of the human personality which is experienced as the self or \u2018I.\u2019 Freud theorized that the mind was divided into three parts: id, ego, and superego. The function of the ego can be described as running interference between the id and the superego. It is the mediator between the drives of the id and the need for self-preservation. The ego is responsible for the development of the skills needed to function in the world, such as impulse control, perception, evaluation, and judgment.
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Ego Ideal is a part of the superego that contains standards, values, and moral ideals. Failure to meet these standards can cause feelings of guilt or shame, while success can enhance self-esteem.
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Fantasy loosely refers to an imagined situation that expresses certain desires or aims of the imagining individual. It can occur at the conscious level, also known as a daydream, or unconsciously, sometimes referred to as phantasy.
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Fixation is a state where a person becomes attached to or overly invested in another individual or object. According to Freud, fixation is the result of conflict occurring during the psychosexual stages of development. The id\u2019s libido becomes focused on different areas of the body, leading to problematic behaviors. For example, an individual with an oral fixation may engage in nail biting.
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Id, according to Freud, is the part of the mind that contains one\u2019s most basic and instinctive drive. It is governed by sexual and aggressive desires and pleasure seeking. The contents of the id are entirely unconscious. Freud stated that the goal of analysis is to uncover what is repressed in the id so that, \u2018where id was, there ego shall be.\u2019
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Libido refers to one\u2019s sexual desires or more specifically, the mental energy responsible for one\u2019s sex drive. This concept represents Freud\u2019s notion that sexual interest exists throughout life and that it is responsible for activities that involve sexual desire and/or affection.
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Oedipus Complex Freud used the Greek myth of Oedipus to illustrate a childhood developmental stage, occurring between the ages of three and six, when a child desires to have the parent of the opposite sex all to him/herself, to the exclusion of the other parent. In the myth, Oedipus kills Laius, who he does not realize is his father, and then marries his widow Jokasta, who is actually Oedipus\u2019s mother.
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Parapraxis (Freudian Slip) reveals an unconscious desire or conflict through a mistake such as a slip of the tongue or forgetting someone\u2019s name.
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Pleasure Principle refers to one\u2019s desire to obtain immediate gratification of needs by obtaining pleasure and avoiding pain. It is the driving force of the id. When our basic needs are not met, feelings of anxiety may develop.
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy modeled after a psychoanalytic model of mental functioning. It is primarily for individuals who will benefit from a method of treatment that is active and focuses on the realities of one\u2019s daily life. Other terms include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, insight-oriented psychotherapy, and expressive psychotherapy.
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Repression is a defensive process where an individual\u2019s impulses and instinctual desires are blocked from entering one\u2019s conscious. Regarded by Freud as the cornerstone of defense mechanisms, the process of repression involves unconsciously censoring ideas or memories deemed unacceptable.
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Resistance refers to a patient\u2019s unconscious opposition to the unveiling and exploration of painful memories during psychoanalysis. It is often conveyed through mental process, fantasies, memories, character defensives, and behaviors. While it initially occurs unconsciously, it may persist long after the patient is made consciously aware of this behavior.
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Superego is the part of a person\u2019s mind that helps keep the id in check, guiding the person to follow learned rules rather impulses; according to Freud, the superego is where morals and conscience come from.
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Transference is the projection onto another person (example: the analyst) of feelings, past associations, or experiences. This is an important concept in psychoanalysis because it demonstrates that past experiences impact the present. Interpreting transference in the psychoanalytic setting can shed light on unresolved conflicts.
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Unconscious Freud proposed that there are three parts (levels) of the mind: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. The unconscious is the part of the mind that stores feelings, thoughts, and urges unaware to the individual. These mental contents and processes often influence the conscious experience even though we are unaware of their existence.
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Students of psychoanalysis learn how to apply these concepts in the treatment of a variety of conditions and emotional problems in both adults and children. Issues that typically respond well to psychoanalytic therapy include:
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\n- Anxiety
\n- Depression
\n- Panic attacks
\n- Phobias
\n- Obsessive behavior
\n- Trauma
\n- Eating disorders
\n- Self-esteem problems
\n- Sexual difficulties
\n- Relationship problems
\n- Self-destructive behaviors
\n- Somatic symptom disorder \u2013 involves a person having a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness, or shortness of breath, that results in major distress and/or problems functioning; the individual has excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms
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", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2020-01-27T17:21:48.695608-08:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-14T13:07:48.691020-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 2103, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Psychoanalysis", "summary_markdown": "**[Child Psychology](/degrees/child-psychology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in child psychology prepare students to work in one or more of the three main concentrations in the field. \r\n\r\n*Adolescent psychology* is focused on issues relevant to children and youth between the ages of 12 and 18. These issues include behavioral problems, learning disabilities, depression, and eating disorders. \r\n\r\n*Developmental child psychology* is concerned with the emotional and cognitive developments that impact children as they age. Among these developments are language, formation of identity, and understanding of morality. \r\n\r\n*Abnormal Child Psychology* focuses on the treatment of children and adolescents dealing with atypical issues like physical abuse, trauma, personality disorders, and sociopathy. \r\n\r\n**[Clinical Psychology](/degrees/clinical-psychology-degree/)** \r\nClinical psychologists focus on pathological populations. In other words, they work mostly with people who have a mental illness or a psychosis \u2013 a severe disorder or disability that can incapacitate them, not merely diminish the quality of their life. Examples are schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and substance-induced psychotic disorder. \r\n\r\n**[Human Development](/degrees/human-development-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this human development explore physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development through each stage of human life \u2013 prenatal, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood, and death and dying. \r\n\r\nThe physical domain is concerned with growth and changes in the body and brain, the senses, motor skills, and health and wellness. Cognitive human development comprises learning, attention, memory, language, thinking, reasoning, and creativity. Psychosocial development involves emotions, personality, and social relationships. Students learn how these three domains of human development influence and impact every aspect of our lives \u2013 from self-respect and self-esteem to how we interact with family, peers, and society at large. \r\n\r\n**[Marriage and Family Therapy](/degrees/marriage-and-family-therapy-degree/)** \r\nMarriage and family therapy is psychotherapy that focuses on the relationships between couples and within family units. Degree programs in the field teach students how to lead and facilitate this kind of therapy. \r\n\r\n**[Medicine](/degrees/medicine-degree/)** \r\nMedical school attendees can choose to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Degree or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree. MDs generally focus on treating specific conditions with medication. Their approach is less holistic than that of DOs, who focus on whole-body healing, with or without medication. \r\n\r\n**[Mental Health Counseling](/degrees/mental-health-counseling-degree/)** \r\nThe mental health counseling curriculum teaches students how to help people dealing with issues that impact their mental health and overall well-being. Coursework often includes the holistic or mind and body approach to counseling.", "content_markdown": "**[Neuroscience](/degrees/neuroscience-degree/)** \r\nNeuroscientists study the structure and function of the human brain and nervous system and how they affect behavior. The field of neuroscience borrows principles from biology, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, immunology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Degree programs in neuroscience, therefore, reflect this multidisciplinary nature. \r\n\r\nAt the graduate level, programs include the study of neurological disorders, the impact that injury has on the brain, and approaches to neurological therapy and rehabilitation. \r\n\r\n**[Osteopathic Medicine](/degrees/osteopathic-medicine-degree/)** \r\nMedical school attendees can choose to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Degree. MDs generally focus on treating specific conditions with medication. Their approach is less holistic than that of DOs, who focus on whole-body healing, with or without medication. \r\n\r\n**[Psychology](/degrees/psychology-degree/)** \r\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn. \r\n\r\n**[Psychotherapy](/degrees/psychotherapy-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in psychotherapy prepare students to work as psychotherapists. The curriculum covers the use of talk therapy to help patients manage various types of mental illness and emotional anxiety. \r\n\r\n**[Social Work](/degrees/social-work-degree/)** \r\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Students who pursue a degree in the field gain the knowledge and skills, as well as the ethics and values, to work for social justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The typical curriculum examines issues such as child welfare, mental health, poverty, aging, domestic violence, and marginalized groups. \r\n\r\n**[Substance Abuse Counseling](/degrees/substance-abuse-counseling-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in substance abuse counseling prepare students to counsel people suffering with alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, and other behavioral problems. The curriculum covers topics such as coping mechanisms and treatment plans.", "content_html": "
Neuroscience
\nNeuroscientists study the structure and function of the human brain and nervous system and how they affect behavior. The field of neuroscience borrows principles from biology, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, immunology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Degree programs in neuroscience, therefore, reflect this multidisciplinary nature.
\n
At the graduate level, programs include the study of neurological disorders, the impact that injury has on the brain, and approaches to neurological therapy and rehabilitation.
\n
Osteopathic Medicine \nMedical school attendees can choose to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Degree. MDs generally focus on treating specific conditions with medication. Their approach is less holistic than that of DOs, who focus on whole-body healing, with or without medication.
\n
Psychology
\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn.
\n
Psychotherapy
\nDegree programs in psychotherapy prepare students to work as psychotherapists. The curriculum covers the use of talk therapy to help patients manage various types of mental illness and emotional anxiety.
\n
Social Work
\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Students who pursue a degree in the field gain the knowledge and skills, as well as the ethics and values, to work for social justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The typical curriculum examines issues such as child welfare, mental health, poverty, aging, domestic violence, and marginalized groups.
\n
Substance Abuse Counseling
\nDegree programs in substance abuse counseling prepare students to counsel people suffering with alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, and other behavioral problems. The curriculum covers topics such as coping mechanisms and treatment plans.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2020-01-27T17:21:48.699380-08:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-14T13:10:05.537601-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 2103, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "The work of navigating the human mind and finding solutions for people battling mental, social, and emotional afflictions is at best challenging and rewarding and at worst daunting. Learning how to do this work leaves students with skills that are valuable in any career and in life in general: \r\n\r\n**Active Listening** \r\nMany disorders and problems are complex and not easily communicated, particularly when patients themselves do not understand what is going on. The capacity to pay attention, listen intently, and read between the lines is imperative to reach a diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action. \r\n\r\n**Advocacy** \r\nPutting patients\u2019 interests first may require that psychoanalysts convince them of ideas with which they initially disagree. This may involve finding creative solutions when traditional approaches fail. The dedicated psychoanalyst is first and foremost a patient advocate. \r\n\r\n**Appreciation for Diversity** \r\nPsychoanalysts are exposed to people from different backgrounds and home environments. They are called upon to cultivate an understanding of and an appreciation for diversity. \r\n\r\n**Assessment and Report Writing** \r\nPsychoanalysts must track, assess, and record their clients\u2019 progress and development. These are skills that are transferrable to many professional sectors. \r\n\r\n**Communication** \r\nWithout doubt, the ability to convey information, impressions, and ideas is vital when dealing with patients and in research settings. \r\n\r\n**Critical Thinking** \r\nWell-reasoned and logical thinking is the foundation both of patient care and of research. Diagnosing patients, developing treatment plans, designing experiments, and interpreting results all rely on the ability to examine problems from different perspectives and consider alternatives.", "content_markdown": "**High-order Analysis** \r\nSometimes, facts and information appear unrelated or random. Accomplished psychoanalysts are skilled at sorting through data to detect possible patterns and relevance. \r\n\r\n**Scientific Reasoning** \r\nEven outside of the research realm, the work of psychoanalysts is rooted in scientific principles and concepts. The mastery of these doctrines and the skill to apply them to patient treatment are crucial to practising in the field. \r\n\r\n**Social Perception** \r\nPatients\u2019 internal \u2018data\u2019 \u2013 their feelings and emotions \u2013 may sometimes be accessible only through thoughtful observation of non-verbal cues. While patients cannot always accurately or clearly express what is wrong, their behavior may provide clues to the factors affecting them. Psychoanalysts must be empathetic and perceptive to these clues. \r\n\r\n**Sound Judgement** \r\nPsychoanalysts invariably face dilemmas. Not all circumstances are simple or straightforward. In fact, most of them are not and require carefully considered decisions informed by clinical knowledge and compassion. \r\n\r\n**Teaching** \r\nWhen introducing new or complex concepts to patients or colleagues, psychoanalysts need to be able to explain not just the \u2018what\u2019 but also the \u2018how\u2019 and the \u2018why\u2019 of an issue. \r\n\r\n**Trust Building** \r\nBuilding trust is vital when working with patients. The ability to build trust is valued in every kind of work, as well as in society at large.", "content_html": "
High-order Analysis
\nSometimes, facts and information appear unrelated or random. Accomplished psychoanalysts are skilled at sorting through data to detect possible patterns and relevance.
\n
Scientific Reasoning
\nEven outside of the research realm, the work of psychoanalysts is rooted in scientific principles and concepts. The mastery of these doctrines and the skill to apply them to patient treatment are crucial to practising in the field.
\n
Social Perception
\nPatients\u2019 internal \u2018data\u2019 \u2013 their feelings and emotions \u2013 may sometimes be accessible only through thoughtful observation of non-verbal cues. While patients cannot always accurately or clearly express what is wrong, their behavior may provide clues to the factors affecting them. Psychoanalysts must be empathetic and perceptive to these clues.
\n
Sound Judgement
\nPsychoanalysts invariably face dilemmas. Not all circumstances are simple or straightforward. In fact, most of them are not and require carefully considered decisions informed by clinical knowledge and compassion.
\n
Teaching
\nWhen introducing new or complex concepts to patients or colleagues, psychoanalysts need to be able to explain not just the \u2018what\u2019 but also the \u2018how\u2019 and the \u2018why\u2019 of an issue.
\n
Trust Building
\nBuilding trust is vital when working with patients. The ability to build trust is valued in every kind of work, as well as in society at large.
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2020-01-27T17:21:48.703119-08:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-14T13:11:29.917818-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 2103, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Psychoanalysis Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Individuals trained in psychoanalysis generally follow one of four possible career paths. They may, of course, choose to use their knowledge and skills in more than just one of the following: \r\n\r\n**Clinical** \r\n- Private or Group Practice \r\n- Mental healthcare clinics and facilities \r\n- Varying focuses on individual or group therapy for adults and children: \r\n[Clinical Psychologist](/careers/clinical-psychologist/) \r\nCommunity Interventionist \r\nCrisis or Grief [Counselor](/careers/counselor/) \r\n[Marriage and Family Therapist](/careers/marriage-and-family-therapist/) \r\n[Mental Health Counselor](/careers/mental-health-counselor/) \r\n[Neuroscientist](/careers/neuroscientist/) \r\n[Psychiatrist](/careers/psychiatrist/) \r\n[Psychoanalyst](/careers/psychoanalyst/) \r\n[Psychologist](/careers/psychologist/) \r\n[School Psychologist](/careers/school-psychologist/) \r\n[Social Worker](/careers/social-worker/) \r\n[Substance Abuse Counselor](/careers/substance-abuse-counselor/) \r\nYouth Counselor \r\n\r\nOutside of the clinical realm, opportunities exist in \u2018applied psychoanalysis:\u2019 \r\n\r\n**Academic** \r\n- University teaching \r\n- Research \r\n- Consulting to school districts \u2013 mediating disputes, developing mental health programs, combating bullying and violence, helping teachers and administrative staff manage behavioral problems, helping students improve their performance, helping parents engage in their children\u2019s education \r\n- Consulting to law firms and as a jury consultant \r\n\r\n**Business** \r\n- Corporate / business management consulting \u2013 engaging employees, managers, and clients; managing changes to corporate structure or culture, increasing employee morale \r\n\r\n**Authorship and Publishing** \r\n- Writing \u2013 books, articles, blogs which provide insight into the theories, principles, and methods of psychoanalysis or which shed a psychoanalytic light on historical, political, and societal events", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2020-01-27T17:21:48.706911-08:00", "updated_at": "2022-05-18T16:42:14.697454-07:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">