Modern Psychotherapy
On an examination of the history of the evolution of modern psychotherapy, it can be seen that all modern theories and practices are centred on one fundamental problem, which is understandable in terms of the “structural hypothesis,” presented by Sigmund Freud (in 1923).
The structural hypothesis is a provisional theory of Freud which divides the personality into three parts, which are oriented towards three goals. The three parts are: the id that seeks pleasure, the ego that seeks to be in tune with reality, and the superego which seeks to be moral. These three parts of the personality, being differently oriented, must necessarily come into conflict. Freud saw that it is the job of the ego to put this conflict-ridden personality in order. Failure of the ego to do so would result in neurosis. Mental health is the successful performance of the ego duty.
1. id – dominated by the pleasure principle
2. ego – dominated by the reality principle
3. superego – dominated by the morality principle
Almost all modern psychotherapeutic systems could be described in terms of this structural hypothesis. All the different psychotherapeutic systems of today could be broadly classified into two groups, based on this structural hypothesis. They are: (a) those therapies that are mainly concerned with the id and its expressions, and (b) those that are mainly concerned with the ego and its functions. The id psychologies are also seen as affective therapies, while the ego psychologies are seen as cognitive therapies.