A critique of the concept "consciousness" in psychodynamic theory : implications for understanding repression

Author

Inna Goldberg, Smith College

Publication Date

2014

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Consciousness, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Repression (Psychology), Defense mechanisms (Psychology), Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939, Mitchell, Stephen A., 1946-2000, Insight in psychotherapy, Ego (Psychology), Theoretical, Relational psychodynamic theory

Abstract

This project critiques the way that the concept "consciousness" has traditionally been, and continues to be, understood in psychodynamic theories. Focusing on the phenomenon of repression, it shows that a different way of conceptualizing consciousness can help shed light on the confusing matter of the relationship between insight and improvement of symptoms in therapy. Many practitioners have shifted toward relational approaches in recent times, in part due to realizations about the limited roles of insight in generating change. The project makes the case that contributions of relational theory can be expanded and maximized if the model of consciousness assumed therein is modified.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 67 pages. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, 2014. Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-67)

Limited Access until August 2019

Recommended Citation

Goldberg, Inna, "A critique of the concept "consciousness" in psychodynamic theory : implications for understanding repression" (2014). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/735