हिंदी

Psychodynamic Therapies> Psychoanalysis - Techniques used in Psychoanalysis

Topics

Estimated time: 18 minutes

Introduction
Flow Chart: Psychoanalytic Techniques
Free Association
Dream Interpretation
Resistance
Transference
Key Points: Techniques used in Psychoanalysis

CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, aims to bring unconscious conflicts and repressed desires into conscious awareness so the person can understand and change their behaviour.

CISCE: Class 12

Psychoanalytic Techniques

CISCE: Class 12

Free Association

Free association is a psychoanalytic technique developed by Sigmund Freud where the client speaks freely about any thoughts or feelings without censorship.
The therapist listens carefully and observes patterns, emotions, and pauses in speech.
Repressed thoughts gradually reach the conscious mind, helping the client gain insight into unconscious conflicts.
This awareness helps reduce mental distress and psychological symptoms.

CISCE: Class 12

Dream Interpretation

Dream interpretation is a psychoanalytic technique developed by Sigmund Freud to understand the hidden meanings of dreams and slips of speech.
Freud called dreams the “royal road to the unconscious.”
Dreams reveal hidden wishes and inner conflicts because ego defences are weaker during sleep.
By interpreting dream symbols and slips, therapists help clients discover unconscious conflicts and gain self-understanding.

CISCE: Class 12

Resistance

Resistance is the unconscious blocking of painful thoughts or memories during therapy.
It may appear as silence, topic changes, or avoiding certain experiences during free association.
Clients may also argue against the therapist’s interpretations.
By working through resistance, the therapist helps bring repressed material into conscious awareness, aiding healing.

CISCE: Class 12

Transference

Transference is a psychoanalytic concept by Sigmund Freud where clients transfer feelings from past relationships onto the therapist.
Clients may show love, anger, dependence, or hatred toward the therapist.
Therapists use these feelings to understand childhood conflicts and past relationships.
Working through transference helps clients release repressed emotions and improve real-life relationships.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Techniques used in Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, aims to bring unconscious conflicts and repressed desires into conscious awareness.
Free Association allows the client to speak freely about thoughts and feelings, helping uncover hidden conflicts in the unconscious mind.
Dream Interpretation analyzes the hidden meanings of dreams, which Freud called the “royal road to the unconscious.”
Resistance occurs when clients unconsciously block painful memories or thoughts during therapy.
Transference happens when clients transfer feelings from past relationships onto the therapist, helping reveal childhood conflicts and emotions.