Theories of Psychotherapy (response to another student discussion)

Melanie Klein is considered a to fall into the category of neoanalytic theorists. The largest distinction between Freudian theory and Neoanalytic theories is the concepts for human motivation. Neoanalytic theories expand on Freudian perspectives of the Oedipal theory to include a period considered the pre-oedipal time frame. A major distinction between Freud’s theories of development and Klein’s is a greater focus on psychoanalyzing children. Freud reserved psychoanalytic therapy specifically for adults. Klein believed children possessed a greater level of personal development then was previously considered by Freud. Neoanalytic theory also works to better explain more severe states of dysfunction such as psychosis, and borderline and narcissistic states in adults.

Melanie Klein theories were developed by analyzation of her own children. Klein witnessed “a harsh and punitive superego that emerged very early on (Murdock, p.82).” This pushed Klein to theories fantasies of destruction and anger were present prior to the Oedipus complex. Klein also believed “the death instinct should be incorporated into theorizing about the development of the superego, which she saw as emerging prior to the resolution of the Oedipus complex (Murdock, 2016, p.82)” as well.

Neoanalytic theorist extend further than Klein alone. Anna Freud discussed theories of the adaptive function of the ego. Anna Freud considers as more than a psychological function to control impulses. These theories were discussed in a publication titled The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense. Heinz Hartmann also considered the ego to develop independently of the id. They considered this portion of the psyche to be more energetic and active (Murdock, p.74).

Heinz Kohut developed a theory of Self Psychology. Kohut theories were developed in clinical settings while examining individuals who were previously labeled with narcissistic personalities. Kohut theory suggest that infants can not self-differentiate from others. Kohut developed the term selfobject to describe this concept. (Murdock, p.91)

Sandor Franzecki is also another name mentioned in this chapter. They are apart of the fourth wave school of thought which focuses on relational psychoanalysis. The specific of this term can be difficult to pin down, specific theories do emerge. The main concept of this theory sees “the self as the repetitive pattern of experiences and behaviors across time, along with the meanings associated with them (Murdock, 2016, p.98).”

This is the theory I would consider playing the largest influence in development. As a human many experiences are shared which would explain many general concepts present in our conscious and unconscious psyche. This theory also in my opinion explains neurodivergent concepts of self that develop from unique forms of stimuli.

Murdock, N. (2016). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Case Approach (The Merrill Counseling Series) (4th ed.). Pearson.