Freuds Psychoanalytical Theory And Social Practice - Essay Example

R.Preeti 21/11/2007 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE In his book, 'Civilization and its Discontents'(1930), Freud highlighted and drew parallels to individual development and the culture and epochal development of the society. Here, he says that man submitted to the submission of his sexual pleasure, in order to pave way for scientific and intellectual developments, which helped the betterment of human life. These are the ways Freud addresses society and gives a glimpse into society, in his psychoanalytical theory.

This, therefore, transforms into the psychosocial theory, where man is perceived as the social being.Taking this theory further, we find that the psychosocial theory does address the patterns of social work practices. This began attaining importance after the World War I. For instance, counselling and social work does incorporate this in its purview. Amongst the numerous problems that patients come up with, one of the problems that draws our concern is the insecurity about the lack of sexual identity, among certain individuals.

When this is encountered in a woman, it is often a very traumatic perception and realisation for the individual; and the social worker plays a very imperative role in helping the person emerge out of the great dilemma.The theory suggests that self-knowledge is often a complicated thing; and if not attained, it does instigate insecurity within oneself, about oneself. A social worker must firstly possess knowledge about himself, since this is the first step towards knowing others.

A good awareness about one's capacity as an individual first, and as a social worker next, is essential. Knowledge of one's skills and limitations is again a prime requisite. As an extension of this, the psycho-social worker must extend his knowledge of self, towards the betterment of relationship with others. It helps in understanding the person sitting at the opposite end. When communicating with a person, the psycho-social worker must employ all his persuasive communication skills, to penetrate into the sub-conscious thinking process and emotions of the person.

When the individual is insecure and unsure of her sexuality, one must keep in mind that this can fuel pessimistic thinking and can amount to a very low self-esteem. The woman can question her physical appearance and hormonal changes, the very fact of being unable to comprehend her attraction towards the same sex, i.e.; ladies. The unexplainable attraction and a feeling of discomfort in her own skin arises a number of other issues in her mind, which can cause great stress and add to her depression.

Her inability to be the ideal 'woman' that society and family obviously expects out of her, the stigma attached to such situations and the fact of not being able to live up to societal norms and mores.Therefore sensitive handling is required. The psycho-social worker must avoid being judgemental; empathy is the key here. For instance, the worker's handling of the issue must rise above the gender-bound constraints and must be extremely objective in its appeal.

The social worker, could perhaps help the lady by helping her attain confidence in terms of facing the society and close family, by helping her consult a professional psychologist or perhaps, to sit down with her and help her find her core aim in life. The worker could also delve into finding out sexual abuse in the past life of the woman, especially in the phallic stage. Thus, the psychosocial theory extends into the realm of social work practice as well.

REFERENCESWebsite: www.wikipedia.comWebsite: www.stjohns-chs.org/general_studies/philosophy/Victorian/gutekfreud.html