A Brief Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory

by Stephen Frosh

Psychoanalytic theory remains hugely influential to our understanding of the mind and human behaviour. It provides a rich source of ideas for therapeutic practice, while offering dramatic insights for the study of culture and society. This comprehensive review of the
- Explores the birth of psychoanalysis, taking the reader step by step through Freud's original ideas and how they developed and evolved
- Provides a clear account of fundamental psychoanalytic concepts
- Discusses the different schools of psychoanalysis that have emerged since Freud
- Illustrates the wider applications of psychoanalytic ideas across film, literature and politics

Written by a highly respected authority on psychoanalysis, this book is essential reading for trainees in counselling and psychotherapy, as well as for students across the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Nonfiction

262 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2012

About the author

Stephen Frosh has worked at Birkbeck from 1979, first in the School of Psychology and since 2008 in the Department of Psychosocial Studies, of which he was a founding member and first Head of Department. From 1982 until 2000 he worked part time at Birkbeck and part time as a clinical psychologist in the NHS. Throughout the 1990s he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist and (from 1996) Vice Dean in the Child and Family Department of the Tavistock Clinic, London. His academic interests are in the applications of psychoanalysis to social issues; gender, culture and ‘race’; and psychosocial studies. He was Pro-Vice-Master of Birkbeck from 2003 to 2017, first with responsibility for Learning and Teaching, then for Research and then for Internationalisation

Reviews

[Sarah Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book on various ideas in psychoanalytic theory. Doesn't cover everything, but what it does cover it gives in good depth. Chapters are short and digestable and is much more readable than some other psychodynamic texts. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn about psychoanalysis with no real background to the discipline.

[Shiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideal textbook material honestly.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and balanced primer for the entry level student or the interested lay person.