Comparison of Theoretical Orientation Essay

Comparison of Theoretical Orientation The two theories that I am choosing to compare and contrast in the situation given, is Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and William Glasser’sreality theory. William Glasser, M. D. , is the developer of Reality Therapy and Choice Therapy. Glasserdeveloped a cause and effect theory that explains human behavior. He focuses on personal choice, personal responsibility and personal transformation. William Glasser has an approach on his theory that is very nontraditional. He does not believe that somebody can have a mental illness unless there is something organically wrong with the brain. He also believes that if somebody is considered to have a mental illness it needs to be confirmed by apathologist. William Glasser also believes that genetically we are social creatures and need each other. That may very well be the cause of almost all psychological symptoms which is our inability to get along with the important and meaningful people in our lives. Sigmund Freud developed a theory to explain psychoanalytic and psychotherapist and much of his work comes from self-analysis. Sigmund Freud’s work suggests that early experiences in one’s life can shape and develop the way we behave as adults. Freud identified five stages within the first five years of life and he believes that our behavior patterns consist of three main elements which are the ID-this is the basic instincts present at birth, also known as the pleasure principle. The Ego-realistic acts within the mind and reality, this is also considered that the fence principal. The Super-Ego-this is the sense of conscious, our duty and responsibility, this is also known as the moral principle. Freud believed that when conflicts arose between these three parts it was those experiences from birth and early childhood that had the most impact on us as we became adults. Even though Freud never studied children and it’s fair to say some people have doubt about his theories, Freud developed his theories based on clinical experience with his patients and they were usually all women. Knowing that Freud’s work was based on an assumption that personality is shaped and behavior is motivated by powerful inner forces can make it easy for one to misunderstand or misinterpret Freud’s theory.