s04e45 | Psychoanalysis in Theory and Practice, with Jonathan Shedler
Feb 21, 2022
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Jonathan Shedler, a psychologist, and Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, discuss the historical context and purpose of psychoanalysis. They explore its distinction from other therapies, how it has been weaponized, and the importance of understanding oneself deeply. The podcast also covers topics such as neutrality in therapy, attachment relationships, projection, the role of humor in psychological functioning, and the power of language in psychology.
Psychoanalytic therapy aims to help individuals understand the unconscious aspects of their minds and emotions, leading to expanded personal freedom and agency.
Neutrality plays a crucial role in therapy, creating a safe environment for patients to reflect on their experiences and patterns, fostering personal growth and self-knowledge.
Recognizing and reflecting on projection allows individuals to gain insight into the parts of themselves they deny or attribute to others, helping them understand how it impacts relationships and perceptions.
Deep dives
The Focus of Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy aims to help individuals understand the unconscious aspects of their minds and emotions, tracing back to the work of Freud. The goal is to help people become more whole by exploring and reclaiming parts of their experience that are unknown or disavowed. This therapy tradition recognizes the existence of unconscious mental life, emphasizing that we don't fully know ourselves and that the things we are unaware of can impact us. The process of therapy involves gaining insight and understanding to become more aware of ourselves and our patterns, leading to expanded personal freedom and agency.
The Importance of Neutrality in Therapy
Neutrality plays a crucial role in therapy, signifying ultimate respect for the individual's autonomy and agency. Therapists in psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy strive to remain neutral, not imposing their own agenda or values on the patient. The focus is on helping individuals understand themselves more fully, rather than directing their choices or decisions. By maintaining neutrality and facilitating exploration, therapists create a safe environment for patients to reflect on their experiences, challenges, and patterns. This fosters personal growth and self-knowledge, allowing individuals to make choices rooted in a deeper understanding of themselves.
Projecting and Understanding Projection
Projection is a defense mechanism rooted in the recognition that there are aspects of ourselves we prefer not to know or acknowledge. It involves attributing our disavowed thoughts, feelings, or impulses to others. Projection can be both negative and positive, as we may project our flaws or desires onto someone else. Recognizing and reflecting on projection allows us to gain insight into the parts of ourselves we deny or attribute to others. This process is an essential part of therapy, as it helps individuals become aware of their own projections and understand how they impact relationships and perceptions of others.
Humor and Psychological Health
Humor reflects a level of mature psychological functioning. It involves the ability to step back, gain perspective, and see oneself and others in a different light. Humor is a characteristic associated with psychological health and healthy personality functioning. It enables individuals to take a lighthearted approach to challenging situations and promotes a positive outlook. The capacity for humor in therapy indicates a person's ability to reflect, introspect, and engage in meaningful mutual attachments and intimate relationships, essential elements of psychological well-being.
Research confirms existence of personality styles
Research has scientifically confirmed the existence of personality styles that have emerged from clinical observation over generations. These personality styles are not the ones commonly found in personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Instead, they are developed in relation to environmental circumstances and early relationships, influenced by temperamental factors. These developmental challenges that every human navigates give rise to different personality styles.
Understanding healthy and unhealthy variations of personality styles
Every personality style has healthier and unhealthy variations. For example, a paranoid personality style, characterized by suspiciousness and a default assumption that something is hidden beneath the surface, can manifest in a high-functioning way, such as in scientific research or investigative journalism. However, when it takes an unhealthy turn, it can lead to a constant belief that everyone is hostile and harmful, resulting in alienation and depression. The way a personality style manifests depends on factors like reflection on experiences and the capacity for healthy interpersonal connection.
Jonathan Shedler is a psychologist and clinician whose research covers personality types. In this discussion, we explore the ethos and historical context of Psychoanalysis, from its beginnings with Freud to its subsequent developments, and how it is distinct from other therapies. We cover psychoanalysis' purpose and methods, how it has become weaponized in common discourse, and what its real aims are.
Follow Jonathan on twitter @JonathanShedler
Read his work at https://jonathanshedler.com
Support this channel: https://www.paypal.me/benjaminboyce
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