A Brief Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory

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, with applications that extend across film, literature and politics. Taking you step-by-step through Freud’s original ideas and their evolution, this book explores the birth of psychoanalysis and provides a clear account of fundamental psychoanalytic concepts.

New to this edition:
· A new chapter on class, gender and race
· Expanded sections on neuropsychoanalysis, relational theory and trauma
· Updated throughout to offer a succinct exploration of the history, development and current standing of psychoanalysis

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

A Brief Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory is also available in audiobook format from audiobook retailers.

Author Biography

Stephen Frosh is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, an Academic Associate of the British Psychoanalytical Society and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. He is the author of many books and papers on psychosocial studies and on psychoanalysis.