Sigmund Freud was born on May 6, 1856 and died September 23, 1939. Simply put, he was a neurologist who became known as the founding father of psychoanalysis.
In creating psychoanalysis, which is a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst, Freud developed therapeutic techniques such as the use of free association and discovered transference, establishing its central role in the analytic process. More importantly, through this method he helped people regain normal lives.
Freud’s redefinition of sexuality to include its infantile forms led him to formulate the central tenet of psychoanalytical theory, the Oedipus Complex. His analysis of his own and his patients’ dreams as wish-fulfillments provided him with models for the clinical analysis of symptom formation and the mechanisms of repression as well as for further elaboration of his theory of the unconscious as an agency disruptive of conscious states of mind.
Freud postulated the existence of libido, an energy with which mental process and structures are invested and which generates erotic attachments, and a death drive, the source of repetition, hate, aggression and guilt.
In his later work Freud drew on psychoanalytic theory to develop a wide-ranging interpretation and critique of religion and culture.
Dominated the Field for a Time
Though not the first methodology in the practice of individual verbal psychotherapy, Freud’s psychoanalytic system came to dominate the field from early in the twentieth century, forming the basis for many later variants.
While these systems have adopted different theories and techniques, all have followed Freud by attempting to effect behavioral change through having patients talk about their difficulties.
Some of His Theories Found Valid
Again, simply said, some of Freud’s ideas have been accepted, with some empirical evidence in favor of them, other of his ideas have been thoroughly rejected after much further study and research.
Researchers in the emerging field of neuro-psychoanalysis have argued for Freud’s theories, pointing out brain structures relating to Freudian concepts such as libido, drives, the unconscious, and repression. However, such concepts frequently depend on the notion of neuro-scientific findings being “broadly consistent” with Freudian theories, rather than strict validations of those theories.
More generally, a dream researcher has disputed claims of specifically Freudian dream theory being validated. There has also been criticism of the very concept of neuro-psychoanalysis by psychoanalysts. However, some that “psychoanalysis still represents the most coherent and intellectually satisfying view of the mind.”
As a medical researcher, Freud was an early user and proponent of cocaine as a stimulant as well as analgesic. He believed that cocaine was a cure for many mental and physical problems, and in his 1884 paper “On Coca” he extolled its virtues. Between 1883 and 1887 he wrote several articles recommending medical applications, including its use as an antidepressant. He narrowly missed out on obtaining scientific priority for discovering its anesthetic properties of which he was aware but had mentioned only in passing.
The application as an anesthetic turned out to be one of the few safe uses of cocaine, and as reports of addiction and overdose began to filter in from many places in the world, Freud’s medical reputation became somewhat tarnished.
After the “Cocaine Episode” Freud ceased to publicly recommend use of the drug, but continued to take it himself occasionally for depression, migraine and nasal inflammation during the early 1890s, before giving it up in 1896. Apparently, his own addiction ended in 1896.
Feminism Attacks Freud
With the rise of the feminist movement, much of Freud’s work was attacked and perhaps rightfully so. His view that the male is naturally superior to the female, of course, has been shown again and again to be incorrect.
On the reverse, feminists have been accused of distorting some of Freud’s ideas. At the least, Freud sometimes failed to understand the contextual nature of all conscious efforts and affects produced by humans.
To say he opened a dialogue, even an argument, in this area might be one of his greatest legacies. After all, all great movements are a push back against something or some idea that somebody finds objectionable.
Countless People Have Been Helped By Talk-Therapy
Whatever else may be said about Sigmund Freud, I say that the numbers of people who have been helped by what is now popularly known of as talk-therapy is beyond counting. From myself to your next door neighbor benefits have accrued by someone skillfully listening to what was said and what was left unsaid by a person seeking to sort out his or her life.
Further then, add all those who followed Freud in the field of analysis of the human mind. Even all his critics and nay-sayers have added in their various ways to the mix that is now a full blown science in itself. We do not all remember the dark old days when people were locked away for the rest of their lives when today, through legitimate therapy, including talk-therapy, they lead well rounded, “normal,” lives.
Sigmund Freud had much to do with the enlightenment of the mind in which we live today. Yes, he was mistaken or misguided in many ways. But one who begins a new age must be given credit where it is due. Sigmund Freud, “by himself,” changed the world.
You Might Be Wrong
Though Freud did not set out to be wrong, it a possibility that all pioneers face, in all fields of endeavor. Do not let the possibility of being mistaken stop you from beginning a movement that will change your world. Begin now.
Source: Wikipedia.org (Please donate to this fine resource.)