‘dynamic’ nature of the anxiety caused by conflict between the id, ego and superego
e ‘dynamic’ nature of the anxiety caused by conflict between the id, ego and superego (McLeod 1998: 32-33). Specific techniques include free association and resistance interpretation – encouraging the client to say whatever freely comes to mind and analysing areas of defensiveness; dream analysis – dreams seen as uncensored thoughts from the unconscious; and transference – allowing the client to project feelings onto the therapist.
Burgeoning from the classical psychoanalytical school are two philosophies conceived in the latter part of the twentieth century known as Object Relations and Attachment Theories. Corey (1991: 111-114) explains that Freud applied the word ‘object’ to define any person or thing embraced, usually by a child, as the ‘target of feelings or drives’. Melanie Klein developed the Object Relations Theory as an extension of this original hypothesis. The theory describes the enigma precipitated by the child’s need to direct all emotions at one ‘object’ – usually the mother or primary caregiver – and its inability to integrate the simultaneous concepts of love and hate. Klein suggests that this inability to tolerate ambivalent feelings for the one object person may bring about ‘underdeveloped personalities’ in adulthood (Avery 1996:26-27). D.W. Winnicott added another dimension by introducing the notion of ‘good enough mothering’ whereby a ‘good enough’ mother will gradually let her child down to encourage independence, understanding of individuality and healthy object relations. If the process is hurried or degraded the child can create a ‘false self’ to protect its ‘true self’ from further distress (Avery: 27-28).
Attachment Theory (or self-psychology), espoused by John Bowlby to oppose those of Melanie Klein, demonstrates that in order for adults to maintain acceptable social and personal attachments they must first have forged secure attachments with their primary caregiv… ers in childhood (Ivey, Ivey & Simek-Morgan 1993: 172-173). This innate need for positive attachments and a ‘secure base’, if unsatisfied, will result in lack of trust and the inability to eventually form sound, intimate relationships (McLeod: 51-52). Bowlby’s work was corroborated by empirical studies conducted with and by Mary Ainsworth in which it was shown that infants demonstrate varying degrees of anxiety when deprived of the company of their parent (Ivey & al: 174; Howe 1995:68-69). In summary, the psychodynamic approach is a broadly based perspective, which extrapolates Freud’s original hypotheses and seeks to facilitate client insight by understanding the impact of childhood experiences and defence constructs suppressed in the unconscious.
The psychodynamic technique of ‘free association’ would be particularly useful in counselling the case study client. As she presents with anxiety apparently brought about by conflict, feeling free to say whatever is on her mind may allow a previous unpleasant experience that has been re…