Strengths and Weaknessess of Psychoanalysis

1)Offers an in-depth perspective (i.e., transference, countertransference) that emphasizes exploring the origins of psychopathology 2)The focus on developmental considerations 3)Most of the models address sexuality (except self psychology, which sees sexuality as a drive derivative—secondary to narcissistic concerns). 4)Freud brought gender issues to the fore with notion of “penis envy”. 5) The notion of “repetition compulsion” transcends theory, often drawn by several models as a central concept. 6)Gabbard—Many people do not respond to medications or brief therapy—Some people want to derive deeper meaning about themselves beyond symptom reduction.

7) The notion of “unconscious” begins to explain behavior that we are unaware of. 8) There is biological research that supports some of Freud’s claims (“divided brain” studies). 9)The focus on relationship (particularly by object relations) 10)Self psychology understands psychopathology in terms of “dysregulation states”, which has been confirmed through neurobiological literature. 11)The universality of defense mechanisms and their use across theories.

1)Psychoanalytic jargon serves to confuse rather than clarify concepts.

2)Some of the ideas (penis envy, Oedipus) are outdated in terms of our contemporary world, and it is questioned by some theorists/practitioners whether these concepts are clinically useful. 3) The approach lacks a theory of intervention—not enough focus on technique. 4)The exclusive focus on the past can lead to “analysis paralysis” 5)The theory only provides a piece of the pie—often neglecting biological, cultural, and social considerations 6)Too many patients (perhaps psychotic, borderline) are not considered appropriate for psychoanalysis.

1) objective reality (what is observable and measurable) 2)emphasizes the conscious processes, and 3)mainly focuses on the present, here-and-now experience of the client

classical psychoanalysis and radical behaviorism.

conscious thoughts and environmental factors are important

a person’s explicit and implicit thoughts as useful data.

latent and/or unobserved and may be considered “cognitive schemas”.

a tacit set of rules or interpersonal schemas earlier in life about what to expect in interpersonal relationships (Norcross & Goldfried).

the modification of the person’s overt behaviors.