Influences of Neo-Freudian Psychoanalysis in Carl Rogers’ psychotherapy

Abstract

This article, of historical and essayistic nature, aims to revisit didactically some aspects presents in the US context of psychoanalytical ideas that influenced Carl Rogers, during the composition of client centered-therapy, in the years of 1920 – 1950. Rogers specifically indicated Neo-Freudian influences of Otto Rank and Karen Horney. Thus, the historical moments of the rise of American Psychoanalysis are discussed. Then, some conceptions from the Neo-Freudian psychoanalysis of Rank and Horney are probed. Finally, what Rogers contacted and appropriated from those Psychoanalysts is delimited. It is concluded that Rogers was a mindful thinker of the American discussions about psychotherapy and that they helped him compose elements of the client-centered therapy. Other possibilities of studies are therefore outlined.