Chapter 15, The Dependant Relationships of the Ego and The Dissolution of the Oedipus Complex Summary and Analysis

Psycho-analytic treatment begins with a search to unveil the trouble beneath symptoms of a patient. The doctor normally meets with what are called resistances in the patient. When setting about the work of overcoming these resistances for the purpose of actually healing the patient, the character of the individual becomes apparent. The exceptions are described first. The reality principle as indicative of a mature adult is distinguished from childhood, which Freud claims is governed by the pleasure principle. Part of therapy involves foregoing some immediate pleasure for a superior pleasure later on. Exceptions have, as part of their psychological complex, this feeling that he or she deserves to be an exception to make up for...