Sigmund Freud: A Deep Dive into the Man, His Typology, and Profound Contributions to Depth and Jungian Psychology

Introduction

Sigmund Freud, often considered the father of psychoanalysis, left an indelible mark on the landscape of psychology. This exploration aims to unravel the intricate layers of Freud’s psyche, from his typology, as identified by John Beebe, to his groundbreaking contributions to depth psychology and his lasting influence on Jungian concepts. Furthermore, we’ll delve into correlations between Freud’s model and Eastern esoteric concepts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the man and his work.

Freud’s Typology Explored through Dream Analysis: A Typological Journey

John Beebe’s identification of Freud as an “ISFP” (Introverted Feeling dominant with Auxiliary Extraverted Sensation) provides a fascinating lens through which to understand Freud’s psychological predispositions. Examining Freud’s dream about self-dissection (which corresponds to John Beebe’s idea of the Rational Spine), detailed in “The Interpretation of Dreams,” reveals symbolic elements that correlate with typological themes.

Here is the Dream:

Freud’s Dream: 

“Old Brucke must have set me some task: Strangely enough, it related to a dissection of the lower part of my own body, my pelvis, and legs, which I saw before me as though in the dissecting room, but without noticing their absence in myself and also without a trace of any gruesome feeling. Louise N. was standing beside me and doing the work with me. The pelvis had been eviscerated and it was visible now in its superior, now in its inferior, aspect, the two being mixed together. Thick flesh-colored protuberances (which in the dream itself made me think of haemorrhoids) could be seen. Something which lay over it and was like crumpled silver-paper had also to be carefully fished out. I was then once more in possession of my legs and was making my way through the town. But (being tired I took a cab. To my astonishment, the cab drove in through the door of a house, which opened and allowed it to pass along a passage which turned a corner at its end and finally led into the open air again.  Finally, I was making a journey through a changing landscape with an Alpine guide who was carrying my belongings. Part of the way he carried me too, out of consideration for my tired legs. The ground was boggy, we went round the edge; people were sitting on the ground like Red Indians or Gipsies-among them a girl.  Before this, I had been making my own way forward over the slippery ground with a constant feeling of surprise that I was able to do it so well after the dissection. At last, we reached a small wooden house at the end of which was an open window. There the guide set me down and laid two wooden boards, which were standing ready, upon the window-sill, so as to bridge the chasm which had to be crossed over from the windows. At that point, I really became frightened about my legs, but instead of the expected crossing, I saw two grown-up men lying on wooden benches that were along the walls of the hut, and what seemed to be two children sleeping beside them. It was as though what was going to make the crossing possible was not the boards but the children. I awoke in mental fright.“–The Interpretation of Dreams, pages 459-460.

Freud’s Dream: An In-Depth Typological Analysis

• Heroic Fi: Freud’s journey through the town and his self-care in taking a cab symbolizes the hero’s journey, emphasizing his Fi (Introverted Feeling).

• Good Parent Se: The Alpine Guide supports Freud, physically engaging and carrying him. The changing landscapes represent sensory experiences. The Alpine guide embodies the nurturing aspect of Extraverted Sensation, supporting Freud through changing landscapes and boggy ground. This later turns into concepts like reality testing and supporting us with his Psychosexual Theory.

• Puer/Puella Ni: The girl among the Gipsies symbolizes Freud’s Introverted Intuition in the dream, hinting at the vulnerability he feels vulnerable about the future, waking in mental fright, inflated in the dream, deflated in waking life.

• Anima/Animus Te: Legs and lower body represent the Anima/Animus. The crumpled silver-paper and the careful extraction point to Freud’s struggle with integrating the Anima/Animus Te. The “Crumpled” Silver Paper correlates with Luna, representing the inferior function that needs to be “fished out.” The Self-Dissection (evaluation/analysis) is rooting or anchoring in the spine to the Extraverted Thinking function.  A cab driving through the door of the house which was Open, Alpine Guide is merged with the Anima/Animus when laying the boards down that bridge the chasm. 

• Opposing Personality Fe: The presence of Red Indians represents the Opposing Personality. Red is the color of the Feeling function consciousness within dreams. The presence of Red Indians and societal influences signifies the Opposing Personality Fe emphasizing the defense against societal expectations and influences. The fact that they are Indians points to something foreign or shadow to Freud’s Psychology.

• Witch/Senex Si: Freud’s subjective impression of resembling thick hemorrhoids points to the Introverted Sensation in the Witch/Senex archetype, highlighting fears and shame about his body.

• Trickster Ne: The Gipsies symbolize shadow possibilities, embodying the Trickster archetype. The Gipsie is traditionally associated with some magic or charlatanism. It is also connected to the girl who I assume is young (Trickster protects the Puerile).

• Demon/Daimon Ti: Gruesome self-dissection without feeling aligns with the Demon/Daimon archetype, representing the analytical aspect without emotional involvement.

The Basics of Freud’s Model:

The Super Ego and Introverted Feeling

The Super Ego, Freud’s superior function, reflects Introverted Feeling, shaping his subjective morality and conscience. This intricate interplay is further nuanced by Freud’s Yahwistic Jewish background, infusing a unique flavor into his conscience principle. There is also a flavor of the Witch/Senex Archetype which we will mention a little bit later.

The Ego and Reality Testing

Freud’s ego, serving as a reality tester, aligns with his skepticism toward spirituality and mysticism. This emphasis on tangible, real-world experiences reflects his commitment to a scientific approach, even while incorporating elements of spirituality into his psychological theories.

The Libido and Personality Types

Freud’s concept of Libido, tied to stages of sexual maturity, led to the development of personality types like Oral, Anal, Phallic, and Genital. While these typologies have been discredited, they provide historical insights into Freud’s evolving views on sexual energy and psychological development.

The Unconscious and Repression

In the realm of the unconscious, Freud’s model involves the censorship of the Id’s pleasure principle by the Ego. This process of repression creates what Jungians refer to as the shadow, representing the darker aspects of the psyche.

The Neurosis and Conflict

Freud’s view of neurosis as a conflict between the ego and the id, analyzed through transference, laid the groundwork for Jung’s exploration of archetypes, particularly the father and mother imago.

The Censoring as Opposing Personality Fe and the Vicarious Fulfillment of Wishes

The dance between Heroic Fi freedom and Anima/Animus Te regulation seems embedded as the core of Freud’s personality, mirrored in his theoretical constructs and his Model. But beyond the spine, lies the first aspect of the shadow of the spine, which for Freud is Extraverted Feeling. The concept of the “censor” in Freud’s dream analysis raises intriguing questions about the interplay between Extrarted Feeling societal norms and Freud’s Introverted Feeling dominant psychology. Was the censor a manifestation of Freud’s own internal struggle (with the Opposing Personality) with societal constraints (OP Fe)?

Censorship of the Si Witch/Senex and Ne Trickster Free Association: A Paradox

“The dream is a fulfillment of a wish, or to put it more accurately, the vicarious fulfillment of a repressed sexual wish, and this is why the censor must intervene.” [ii]

The “Over I” or Super Ego, as Freud termed it, acts as the lord of consciousness, watching and judging. This relates to Freud’s Introverted Sensation Witch/Senex that for him represses the sexual wish (Se). The Witch/Senex emphasis on guilt, censorship, comes out the other side through the Trickster, as vicarious fulfillment of wishes. Was Freud, in advocating for free association with Extraverted Intuition dwelling within the Trickster as a way to liberate himself vicariously through his patients? The tension between being free (Trickster) and being regulated (Witch/Senex), evident in Freud’s personality, finds resonance in his model. Did Freud, despite advocating for free association, grapple with his own inhibitions? Even in the realm of psychoanalysis, Freud seemed entangled in the delicate dance between freedom and restraint.

Other Freudian Concepts and Their Influence on Depth and Jungian Psychology

Freud’s profound impact on psychology extends well beyond his typological contributions, shaping the landscapes of depth and Jungian psychology.

Legacy of Modular Analysis

Freud’s pioneering work in modular analysis stands as a cornerstone in the understanding of the human psyche. By dissecting the mind into distinct components, Freud’s approach laid the foundation for subsequent psychological theories. This legacy resonates in the modular frameworks that continue to influence contemporary psychological thought.

Depth Psychology and the Unconscious

While Freud’s theories encountered scientific scrutiny, they brought forth the revolutionary concept of the unconscious. Jung, inspired by Freud’s groundwork, expanded this notion into the collective unconscious. Freud’s exploration of the hidden realms of the mind opened doors to deeper psychological exploration.

Jungian Archetypes and Neurosis

Freud’s examination of neurosis and the dynamics of transference became the fertile ground upon which Jung developed his archetypal psychology. The father and mother imago, initially explored by Freud, evolved into Jungian archetypes that play pivotal roles in the individuation process.

Empirical Psychologies

Critiques notwithstanding, Freud’s concepts sowed the seeds for empirical psychologies that continue to flourish. These foundational ideas, despite their scientific controversies, have shaped the empirical frameworks embraced in modern psychology.

Freud and Jung: A Dynamic Correspondence

Freud’s collaboration and subsequent break with Jung marked a crucial chapter in the evolution of psychology. Jung, initially captivated by Freud’s ideas, caught onto the Oedipus myth and complex through their correspondence. This revelation fueled Jung’s elaboration of his model, a departure from psychoanalysis to what he termed “Analytical Psychology.”

Jung’s Evolution Beyond Psychoanalysis

Jung’s break with Freud prompted a transformation in his approach. Moving away from the constraints of psychoanalysis, Jung rebranded his model as “Analytical Psychology.” This shift allowed Jung to explore new dimensions, integrating his own insights and departing from Freudian foundations.

The Evolution of Dream Theories

Freud’s groundbreaking work on dream interpretation opened the door for further exploration. Jung, influenced by Freud, delved into the symbolic and collective aspects of dreams, enriching and expanding the theories initiated by Freud. The realm of dream analysis, initially pioneered by Freud, found new dimensions under Jung’s insightful gaze.

Beyond Freud: Compatible Concepts in Jungian Psychology

While Freudian and Jungian perspectives diverged, some Freudian concepts found resonance in later Jungian thinkers. Figures like Melanie Klein and Heinz Kohut, despite their Freudian roots, developed ideas compatible with Jungian psychology. This intersection showcases the richness and flexibility of psychological thought.

Freud for the Yogis

Correlations with Eastern Esoteric Concepts to enrich our understanding, let’s explore correlations between Freud’s model and Eastern esoteric concepts.

Freudian Concept	Eastern Esoteric Correlation
Super Ego	Dharmic principles and moral consciousness
Libido and Personality	Chakras and the flow of life energy
Unconscious and Shadow	Yogic concept of the subconscious mind
Neurosis and Conflict	Buddhist teachings on the nature of suffering

Conclusion

This deep dive into Freud’s typology, dream analysis, and contributions to psychology paints a multifaceted portrait of a visionary thinker. Freud’s intricate web of concepts, when analyzed through the lens of typology, reveals the man behind the theories and his lasting impact on the landscape of psychology. By exploring correlations with Eastern esoteric concepts, we gain a more holistic understanding of Freud’s work and its resonance across diverse philosophical traditions. Freud’s legacy transcends typology, leaving an indelible mark on depth and Jungian psychology. His influence, though met with challenges, ignited a chain reaction of ideas that continue to shape the multifaceted landscape of contemporary psychology.

Resources:

• Beebe, J. (2005). Energies and Patterns in Psychological Type: The Reservoir of Consciousness.
• Beebe, J. (n.d.). A New Model in Psychological Types. Lecture presented at The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago.
• Ellenberger, H. (2006). The Discovery of the Unconscious: The History and Evolution of Dynamic Psychiatry.
• Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams
• OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
• Psychoanalysis in Theory and Practice. Chapter 5.