Open-Secrets

Tag: margaret mahler

  • Freud’s Psyche – Psyched on Freud

    Neurosis-neurotic-freudHow Neurotic was Sigmund Freud?

    There’s no doubt that Sigmund Freud has made a huge contribution to the evolution and well being of mankind. Freud’s insight into human nature and his exploration of the human psyche laid the groundwork for most western psychological theory and understanding in the world today.

    From Object Relations Theory to Depth Psychology and Self Psychology to Transpersonal Psychology, Freud’s influence is seen throughout them all. Margaret Mahler, Heinz Kohut, D.W. Winnicott and every other pioneer of human psychology owe a debt to Freud.

    But, the question remains – how neurotic was Sigmund Freud? I don’t believe there are very many people on the planet free of some degree of neurosis. Many of Freud’s theories and postulates have come under scrutiny and challenge. This is normal for those pushing the envelope of human understanding and Freud was certainly pushing the envelope in his day.

    Freud and Groucho Marx would have been a great YouTube video. A 4 minute dialogue on cigars could have been one of the great viral videos of all time.

    I think it was my last post that mentioned penis envy that got me to thinking about Freud and his neurosis.

    When it comes to our personal growth and unfoldment, keeping an open mind about our possible blind spots is an invaluable asset. Using our friends to identify these doorways into deeper self-knowledge is great blessing – something Freud seems to have had a problem with.

    Links of Interest

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    Items of Interest

  • Object Constancy

    According to object relations theory, object constancy involves maintaining a lasting relationship with a specific object, or rejecting any substitute for such an object. Example of the latter: rejecting mothering from anyone except one’s own mother.

    Object_relations_theoryObject constancy is “the capacity to recognize and tolerate loving and hostile feelings toward the same object; the capacity to keep feelings centered on a specific object; and the capacity to value an object for attributes other than its function of satisfying needs. – Margaret Mahler

    You may know people who see others as all good or all bad – partisan politics?? And of course there are those that only value people according to their utility. Many people long to be real, to with others that are real, and have real relationships.

    Object constancy is usually defined as the capacity to see and relate to the other as a person in his or her own right. This capacity is part of the quality of the Personal Essence, of being personal and able to make direct personal contact. – A. H. Almaas

     

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Open-Secrets