Freud and your Marriage
Psychoanalytic theory was first developed by Sigmund Freud and later expounded upon by Carl Jung, Erik Erikson and a host of others. The idea that propels psychoanalytic theory is that the unconscious mind drives our actions and the more we become aware of and explore the unconscious mind, the more whole we become, as well as our relationships.
Psychoanalysis designates concomitantly three things:
1. A method of mind investigation. And especially of the unconscious mind;
2. A therapy of neurosis inspired from the above method;
3. A new stand alone discipline who is based on the knowledge acquired from applying the investigation method and clinical experiences.
Consequently there is nothing vague in the definition of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a specific mind investigation technique and a therapy inspired from this investigation. I would say first and foremost therapy in order to emphasize even more that psychoanalysis implies no speculation, that it is closer to psychotherapy and farther from philosophy, art or culture in general.
How do these elements come into play when you attend marriage counseling? Obviously, if you have unexplored elements of your psyche that are causing dilemmas in your interpersonal relations, exploration can help bring these issues to the surface and ultimately provide relief.
All of us have “buried” issues that seem to resurface suddenly and problematically in our lives. The wonder of therapy is that, through the help of your counselor, these areas can be explored safely. You’ll find a more “whole you” developing, one not as ravaged by unconscious desires and fears. Your partner will experience the same thing, providing you both an opportunity to unite in a more holistic way.
