Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which theorist is associated with concepts like unconscious, transference, and free association?

1. Carl Jung

2. Alfred Adler

3. Sigmund Freud

4. Aaron Beck

The correct answer is: Sigmund Freud

The correct answer, Sigmund Freud, is associated with key concepts in psychoanalysis, including the unconscious mind, transference, and free association. Freud's theory posits that much of human behavior is driven by unconscious impulses and conflicts that individuals are often unaware of. Transference refers to the phenomenon where clients project feelings and attitudes from past relationships onto the therapist during therapy. It plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process as it can reveal underlying issues and provide insights into a client's relational patterns. Free association is a technique developed by Freud in which clients are encouraged to verbalize thoughts as they occur, without censorship. This practice allows for the exploration of the unconscious, as unexpected thoughts can surface, revealing hidden emotions and conflicts. Other theorists like Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Aaron Beck have their own distinct theories and concepts, focusing on different aspects of psychology. Jung, for instance, emphasizes concepts such as archetypes and the collective unconscious, while Adler focuses on feelings of inferiority and social interest. Beck, known for cognitive therapy, centers on cognitive distortions and their impact on emotions and behaviors rather than unconscious processes. Thus, Freud is uniquely linked to the specific concepts mentioned in the question.