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Why Is Freud's Psychodynamic Theory Effective

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Why Is Freud's Psychodynamic Theory Effective
In every common model of identifying and explaining abnormal behavior, there lies a certain degree of skepticism. Sigmund Freud is a vital name in psychology, for both the followers of his school of thought, as well as the many that disagree with him. Freud founded the psychodynamic theory, which seems to be among the most important and effective in alleviating patients of abnormal behaviors such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Freud was tireless, riven, and determined to understand human behavior, and whether one agrees with every idea or would argue with every aspect, we should respect his theories and keep an open mind to this belief system. The psychodynamic theory is effective because it is based so deeply in our urges and …show more content…
Though there are guidelines for describing and identifying patient behaviors, it is ultimately centered around the individual experience the neuroses. Psychoanalysis is meant to allow the patient and therapist to attempt tap into the unconscious mind to uncover the deeply-rooted meaning behind their behavior. It encourages the individual to explore their own psyche, and use introspection as the primary tool for the patient to alleviate their disorder. Freud (1920) wrote in his essay, Beyond the Pleasure Principle; “Psychoanalysis was above all an art of interpretation. Since the therapeutic task was not thereby accomplished, the next aim was to compel the patient to confirm the reconstruction through his own memory. In this endeavor the chief emphasis was on the resistances of the patient; the art now lay in unveiling these as soon as possible, in calling the patient’s attention to them, and by human influence here came in suggestion acting as transference teaching him to abandon these resistances.” This shows from his original works, that psychoanalysis is meant for the patient to overcome fear and resistances to alleviate his or her …show more content…
Because of this disorder, each one of them had committed murder. Researchers took medical, psychiatric, schooling, military, as well as prison records to use for their study. The results showed objective evidence of extreme abuse in eleven out of the twelve patients, all of which had amnesia of most of this abuse, repressing them and transforming them into other identities. In some cases, these other identities were simply just personalities that were emotionally built to better cope with abuse or stress, or one that is possibly more innocent, such as a toddler.
Furthermore, psychoanalysis also takes in into consideration the importance of both nature and nurture. For example, the theory of the id, ego, and superego, are unconscious motives that are natural to us, we do not learn these from our external environment. Conversely, his theory that most behaviors come from childhood experiences is appeals to

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