1st Edition
Introduction to Key Concepts and Evolutions in Psychoanalysis From Freud to Neuroscience
Introduction to Key Concepts and Evolutions in Psychoanalysis offers an accessible starting point to understanding psychoanalysis by focusing on seven key psychoanalytic models and their creators and how the field has evolved over time from Sigmund Freud’s original ideas. The book is based on the premise that Freud started a conversation over 100 years ago that continues to this day: who are we, why do we suffer so, and how can others help?
Alexis A. Johnson seeks to make the invariably complex and sometimes contradictory terms and concepts of psychoanalysis more accessible for those being introduced to psychoanalysis for the first time, integrating them into a cohesive narrative, whilst using a broadly developmental perspective. Each model is given space and context, matched with relevant case studies drawn from the author’s own clinical practice.
Written in an approachable, jargon-free style, this book brings to life the creators of the models using case studies to illustrate the ‘healing maps’ and models they have developed. The author methodically adds layer upon layer of increasingly challenging insights: Which model is useful or appropriate, and when and how exactly is it useful as part of the healing paradigm? Rather than aligning with any one model, Johnson makes the case that drawing upon aspects of all of these sometimes-competing ideas at various times is important and healthy.
Introduction to Key Concepts and Evolutions in Psychoanalysis will appeal to undergraduate students of psychology encountering psychoanalysis for the first time, as well as trainees in psychoanalysis and those working across other branches of the mental health profession wishing to understand and drawn upon fundamental psychoanalytic ideas.
INTRODUCTION; CHAPTER I: Sigmund Freud: We Are All in Inner Conflict CHAPTER II: The Bridge Between Freud and Modern Psychoanalysis CHAPTER III: Melanie Klein: Life Is Terrifying and We Must Survive CHAPTER IV: Anna Freud: We Have Strengths as Well as Conflicts CHAPTER V: The Middle School: With Good Enough Mothering, We Evolve from Ruthless to ‘Ruth’ CHAPTER VI: Heinz Kohut: We Need Others Through Our Lifetime and to Create Meaning CHAPTER VII: Harry Sullivan: We Need Relationships to Manage Our Anxieties and to Thrive CHAPTER VIII: John Bowlby: Lost Connection Is Traumatic; Secure Attachment Is the Key to Well Being CHAPTER IX: Emergent Complexity: Freud to Neuroscience
Biography
Alexis A. Johnson, Ph.D. has been in private practice as a clinical psychologist in the Greater New York City Area for nearly 50 years. She also is Co-Director of the Center for Intentional Living.
"This book is an absolute delight. An intimate and easy read that delivers a real payoff in learning about major contributors to the psychoanalytic movement. In this regard I especially appreciated the glossary of concepts at the end of each chapter describing the work of a number of psychoanalytic great – Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Winnicott, Kohut, Bowlby and more. All this is woven into a tapestry of touching commentaries by the author on her work with a number of her clients. This a good first read for anyone interested in learning about the history of psychoanalysis and it is also truly helpful for those who wish to revise their memory on who contributed what to this important movement."-Sandy Cotter, BA, MA, MSc, Founding Director, Praxis Centre, Cranfield School of Management and Principal, Centaur Leadership Limited
"In Introduction to Key Concepts and Evolutions in Psychoanalysis, Alexis Johnson scripts a beautifully written narrative that links the diverse psychotherapy traditions that originated with Freud to contemporary clinical models and neurophysiological theories. The curious, as well as students and clinicians, will find in this well written and accessible book a succinct roadmap to untangle historical traditions in psychotherapy and to explain how these traditions have become embedded in contemporary psychotherapy and have stimulated research in mental and social processes."-Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina; Distinguished University Scientist, Indiana University, USA
