The Long Path to Rooting and Individuation
Abstract:
Freud, known as the father of psychoanalysis and fluent in seven languages, sowed the seeds of psychoanalytic thought. Many philosophers (Plato, Sophocles, Kierkegaard Nietzche, Brentano), literary figures (Dostoyevsky, Geothe, Shakespeare), scientists (Darwin, Lamarck) and, no doubt, several physician colleagues with whom he worked have directly or indirectly contributed to its development. Freud and Ferenczi applied August Pauly’s hypothesis of mental illness for some time. Freud, for different periods of time worked in Theodor Meynert’s cerebral anatomy and psychiatry clinic, in Ernest Brücke’s physiology laboratory and in Carl Claus’ zoology laboratory. Two clinicians who had a significant influence on Freud’s clinical practice were Josef Bruer and Jean Charcot. Breuer and Freud discussed for a long time a patient whom Breuer evaluated as hysterical neurosis and named as Anna O. Dr. Wilhelm Fliess, an otolaryngologist, was remarkably influential for Freud.
The rooting and branching of the infant’s psyche begins in Winnicott’s words, “me, not me” and continues until the end of adolescence. In this long journey, the physical care and fulfillment given to the baby initially and the embrace and protection of the mother plays a crucial role in the baby’s development of a basic sense of trust. The regular give-and-take relationship between the baby and its mother provides the baby the sense of continuity of the mother. Continuity, consistency and sameness become very important in this process; basic trust in the child is at the core of the sense of identity. Autonomy, assertiveness, constructivism, sense of identity and intimacy are necessary for a healthy individuality to root. If autonomy and the sense of identity is damaged—which can be caused by a variety of reasons including physical violence, sexual rape, neglect— many mental disorders may come to the scene.
CV:
Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst. Consultant at Tavistock & Portman Clinic, Vice Chairman of Portman Clinic. Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry & British Psychoanalytic Society & International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA).