FREUDIAN PSYCHOLOGYFREUDIAN PSYCHOLOGY

An Introduction to the An Introduction to the

Major Components, Part 2:Major Components, Part 2:

Dream and SymbolDream and Symbol

The Beginnings of The Beginnings of PsychoanalysisPsychoanalysis• Freud coins the term “psychoanalysis” in

1896.• Begins to employ the “free association

technique” - patient lies on a couch / expresses whatever goes through his/her mind.

• Technique allowed patient to “point the way” to abreaction, necessary because the root of the problem was both unconscious and repressed.

• Difficult process: Memories begin to rise into consciousness the patient becomes resistant

Tension of OppositesTension of OppositesAs infants, we have only desire (uncontrolled energy. As we grow, we need to focus and control this energy in socially acceptable ways. Freud identified this tension between what we want versus what we find acceptable as:

• The Pleasure Principle is the primary wish fulfillment center. It is illogical and impulsive. It gives energy to the conscious mind, but it needs to be contained in order for us to avoid danger.

• The Reality Principle is the secondary drive, which is controlled and which takes into account the requirements of reality. It tolerates a delay of satisfaction.

A Map of the MindA Map of the Mind

The “Iceberg” TheoryThe pre-conscious mind

The unconscious mind(obviously, the larger part)

consciousness

The Interpretation of The Interpretation of DreamsDreams

Freud believed that1) dreams represent a hidden

“wish” fulfillment, which is often (although not always) sexual, and

2) dreams---which occur when we sleep and our conscious minds are on “stand-by”---present evidence of the unconscious.

In Your DreamsIn Your Dreams

• Freud’s work with patients reveals that dreams are only incomplete pictures, which contain both manifest and latent content.

• Manifest content is that part of the dream which we remember.

• Latent content is the unconscious wish represented by the dream imagery.

Freudian Dream SymbolsFreudian Dream SymbolsSymbols in the unconscious come from repressed desires.

• Long, pointed, or otherwise elongated images are phallic and refer to the male aspect (power, aggression, procreation)associated with the father.

• Cups or other womb-like enclosures, bodies of water, and forest/garden images are yonic and refer to female aspects (nourishment, nurturing, birth/rebirth)assoc. with the mother.