Problem:
Freud and Jung are both responsible for significant contribution to the field of psychology. Freud's classical psychoanalytic theory and Jungs analytical theory do share similarities within the broader scope of the psychodynamic approach. Psychodynamic theories build upon the idea that an individual's unconscious processes directly influence behavior (Opland & Torrico, 2024). Both theories incorporate the role of the unconscious mind, the use of transference to recognize patterns and unresolved conflicts and both men saw relevancy in the use of symbols and dream analysis in understanding how the unconscious impacts behavior. Freud and Jung's theories both posit that insight into a person's unconscious thoughts, feelings or desires could alleviate distress and encourage growth. However, although Freud and Jung based their theories on similar ideas, their conceptualization of the unconscious mind and therapy goals were quite different. Freud is often associated with his work that surrounded the structure of the personality and how it is made up of the id, the ego and the super ego. His theory placed great importance upon early childhood experiences. Freud suggested that biological needs are shaped by early experiences and by the ways individuals navigate the different stages of development (Kress et al, 2020, p. 57). Jung's analytical theory is structured around three levels of the psyche: the conscious mind, the collective unconscious and the personal unconscious (Kress et al., 2020, p. 110). Unlike Freud, who primarily focused on the personal unconscious, Jung believed the unconscious mind could be analyzed on a deeper level and involved both the personal unconscious and collective unconscious. The two also differ on how they approached therapeutic goals. The main goal of Freud's psychoanalysis was to strengthen the ego and balance the id and the superego (Kress et al., 2020, p. 63). By exploring and bringing forth unconscious thoughts or defense mechanisms, Freuds goal was to reduce symptoms as well as increase the functional well being of patients. Jung on the other hand viewed therapy as a way to provide individuals with coping skills to handle the unpleasantness they may experience in life. Through the process of individuation, Jung proposed that an individual develops a personality through a lifelong process (Kress et al., 2020, p. 112). Also noteworthy, Jung was a stronger supporter of the idea that therapy was a reciprocal process and both the client and therapist benefited from the exchange.
Between the two perspectives, I resonate more with Jung's analytical perspective as it relates to my understanding of what contributes to therapeutic change. While I agree that early childhood experiences and the uncovering of unconscious conflicts can be beneficial, Jung's focus on personal growth and creation of a common framework provides a more holistic approach to therapeutic change. Jung's emphasis on a therapeutic alliance is still strongly supported as a key aspect of successful therapy. Jung emphasized empathy and active engagement from the patient for success (Tarzian et al., 2023). This approach not only supports symptom reduction but encourages personal agency and self-growth.
Transference is a process where clients utilize their relationship with their therapist as a way to assist them with meeting unmet developmental needs (Kress et al., 2020, p. 133). As the therapist, it is crucial to consider multicultural awareness and sensitivity when interpreting and responding during this process. An individual's background will influence their relational expectations. By integrating multicultural awareness into their understanding of a patient transference, therapists are more likely to understand how sociocultural context impacts their relational expectations, and adjust their reactions and approaches as needed.
Write at least one substantive paragraph to address each component of the Discussion prompt. Support your post with at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed sources from the library in addition to this week's Learning Resources. In response to a colleague who chose a different theory than you did, describe what you learned about that theory's contribution to therapeutic change. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Kress, V. E., Seligman, L. W., & Reichenberg, L. W. (2020). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, and skills (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
Chapter 2, "Freud and Classic Psychoanalysis" (pp. 51-76)
Time estimate: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Chapter 4, "Post- and Neo-Freudian Psychoanalytic Therapies" (pp. 108-147)
Time estimate: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Gelso, C. J., & Kline, K. V. (2024). Psychodynamic and relational psychotherapiesLinks to an external site.. In F. T. L. Leong, J. L. Callahan, J. Zimmerman, M. J. Constantino, & C. F. Eubanks (Eds.), APA handbook of psychotherapy: Theory-driven practice and disorder-driven practice (Vol. 1., pp. 33-52). American Psychological Association.
Time estimate: 45 minutes
Tummala-Narra, P., & Wolff, J. (2024). Psychoanalytic theory in psychotherapyLinks to an external site.. In F. T. L. Leong, J. L. Callahan, J. Zimmerman, M. J. Constantino, & C. F. Eubanks (Eds.), APA handbook of psychotherapy: Theory-driven practice and disorder-driven practice (Vol. 1., pp. 5-31). American Psychological Association.
Time estimate: 55 minutes
Hilsenroth, M. J., & Pitman, S. R. (2019). Working with cyclical relational patterns in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy Download Working with cyclical relational patterns in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy. In D. Kealy & J. S. Ogrodniczuk (Eds.), Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy (pp. 19-31). Academic Press.
Time estimate: 35 minutes