psychoanalízis

Psychoanalysis is a theory of the mind and a therapeutic method developed by Sigmund Freud. It posits that human behavior is largely determined by unconscious drives and conflicts, particularly those stemming from early childhood experiences. The unconscious mind is seen as a reservoir of repressed thoughts, desires, and memories that influence conscious thought and action.

The primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to bring these unconscious elements into conscious awareness. This is achieved through techniques such as free association, where patients are encouraged to speak freely about whatever comes to mind, and dream analysis, which interprets the symbolic meaning of dreams. The therapeutic relationship, known as transference, is also crucial, as it involves the patient projecting feelings and attitudes from past relationships onto the analyst.

Key concepts in psychoanalysis include the id, ego, and superego, representing different aspects of the personality. The id is driven by instinctual urges, the ego mediates between the id and reality, and the superego represents internalized societal and parental standards. Defense mechanisms, such as repression and denial, are unconscious strategies employed by the ego to protect itself from anxiety arising from these internal conflicts. Psychoanalysis has evolved since Freud's time, with various schools and practitioners offering different interpretations and applications of its core principles.