When I first signed up to join LDRPT, I rather naively thought it would be like my previous training experiences; namely in the psychodynamic/analytic field, I was somewhat surprised when this was not the case. Looking back, I am glad this happened as I learnt what it is like to have the rich experience of thinking with new and different minds.
There is almost certainly a rivalry amongst the many theoretical factions in psychotherapy, each holding their own modality as the true way. I certainly was very protective of my psychodynamic teachings and was, quite frankly, a little sniffy about some of the other models.
This made me reflect on how the origins of the work we do as PRT’s all began, one way or the other, with Freud and his evolving and differing views on sex. Now, as this is a PRT blog, I was further reminded of the analytic ‘couple’ formed by Freud and Jung and how their two theories brought about a close relationship at the beginning but also caused a split later on, each thinking their way was the correct way and so began the formation of the differing factions still seen today.
Had they only gone and seen a couples therapist, or maybe used the dialogue guide, I wonder had they been able to appreciate and respect their differences!? In my opinion we owe a lot to both of these very distinguished gentlemen. Without Freud’s ‘Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality’, published in 1905, would we have ever dared to think about sexual perversions, childhood sexuality and puberty? While Freud’s psychosexual theory emphasised the role of sexual development in personality formation, Jung’s analytical psychology took a broader approach, considering various psychological factors beyond sexuality. Both Freud and Jung made significant contributions to the field of psychology, and their theories continue to influence contemporary psychological thought.
It’s fascinating to explore the dynamics between different theoretical frameworks in psychotherapy, especially when considering the historical context of Freud and Jung. Their collaboration and subsequent divergence offer valuable insights into how theoretical differences can impact professional relationships together with your own thinking and also the evolution of psychotherapeutic approaches.
The rift between Freud and Jung highlights the complexities inherent in integrating disparate perspectives. While their initial collaboration contributed significantly to the development of psychoanalytic theory, their differing views ultimately led to a schism. This serves as a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and collaboration in the field of psychotherapy. I so often find myself messaging a peer asking their thoughts on a particular area where the work is stuck, only to find an approach I had not considered.
Ultimately, there was to be a split between Freud and Jung and, not too dissimilar when I see couples now on the verge of splitting, each has very different ideas about the same topic. I work with them collaboratively, to understand this ‘split’ and can it be worked through? Can we find new space to think more openly?
Just as in couples therapy, where conflicting perspectives must be navigated and reconciled, I knew I had to approach theoretical differences with sensitivity and a willingness to be open-minded, one size does not necessarily fit all. We all have different ideas, sometimes the healthiest relationship is based on opposing ideas and, as I have learnt, this does not need to be a threat to the ego, as it was with Freud and Jung.
Listening to my colleagues, peers, supervisors and seminar leaders, each has their own way of thinking. Which certainly helped my development and whilst some theories I use and others not, it certainly added to my analytic ‘toolbox’ without having to replace or discard anything that was already there.
The rift between Freud and Jung underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in navigating theoretical differences. One of which, for me, took time to internalise. However, it also serves as a testament to the enduring value of collaboration, dialogue, and the continual evolution of psychotherapeutic practice, regardless of which ‘school’ you belong to.
It is ironic that Freud and Jung’s friendship ended over a disagreement about sex (kind of!)
André de Trichateau
Psychotherapist Graduate LDPRT
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.