Psychoanalytic Therapy Case Study

In this essay, I concern myself with a discussion of psychoanalytic therapy with reference to the case study of Malusi. I begin with a brief description of what psychoanalytic therapy is. Thereafter I outline some of the core assumptions and goals of the theory and use the case study to substantiate my points. Following this I consider the concept of transference which plays a valuable role in psychoanalytic therapy and show how this could be exhibited in the Malusi case study. Finally, I shall conclude this essay with a brief summary of the main points covered.

What at the main assumptions and goals of psychoanalytic therapy and how could these be reached with Malusi? Please use examples from the case to substantiate your answer.

Psychoanalytic

The theory assumes certain metaphysical elements such as psychic energy, the interaction between personality structures and the unconscious. However, evidence for these can be found in things like ‘slips of the tongue’, dreams and other inferential examples. Some of the core assumptions of psychoanalytic therapy are; “psychological problems originate in the subconscious mind, observable symptoms are caused by hidden disturbances, causes of psychological illnesses involve unresolved issues during development or repressed trauma and treatment focuses on exposing repressed conflict where the patient can deal with it” (McLeod, 2007). In the case of Malusi I would assume a deeper psychological conflict to be the cause of his various complaints. For example, unresolved developmental issues and repressed trauma could be a major contributor especially in light of his father abandoning the family in childhood and the loss of his grandfather. The relation between his dreams and symptoms also points to problems in the

Corey (2009) gives six basic techniques of the therapy; maintaining the analytic framework (maintaining a range of factors such as anonymity, regularity and consistency of sessions etc), free association (speak what comes to mind), interpretation (analysing and explaining data), dream analysis (uncovering material revealed in dreams and analysis and interpretation of resistance and transference (will be discussed later). Also very important, is the therapist-client relationship as this plays an important role in psycho-therapy. By providing a safe environment and relationship the client can explore their feelings, understand themselves better and make sense of their reality. The therapist can assist a client through a crisis by providing a sense of stability and certainty, help in making the unconscious, conscious, foster insight and aid in forging a stronger personality (Tamplin, 2014). In addressing Malusi I would attempt to provide empathy and understanding to reduce his anxiety. Following this we can begin exploring links with the unconscious and the past. Free association and interpreting his dreams could play an important role in identifying any issues. Sources of conflict could be uncovered especially in relation to his feelings about his father, grandfather and family and academic pressure. At the same time, I would maintain a neutral and anonymous stance to help foster