Understanding the Human Mind Through Rogers and Freud: How Counselling Illuminates Our Selves

The human mind is a complex and fascinating system that shapes how we think, feel, and behave. Understanding its inner workings can help us better navigate our emotions, relationships, and personal growth. Two influential figures in psychology, Carl Rogers and Sigmund Freud, offer distinct but complementary views on the self and the mind. Their theories provide valuable frameworks to explore how counselling supports individuals in understanding and improving their mental well-being.

This post will explain the different parts of the self according to Rogers and Freud, and show how counselling uses these ideas to help people gain insight and healing.

Freud’s Model of the Mind and the Self

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, introduced a model of the mind that divides it into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. These parts interact constantly, influencing our thoughts and behaviors.

• Id

The id is the primitive, unconscious part of the mind. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic drives like hunger, sex, and aggression. The id is impulsive and does not consider reality or consequences.

• Ego

The ego develops to mediate between the id and the external world. It works on the reality principle, trying to satisfy the id’s desires in socially acceptable ways. The ego is conscious and uses reasoning to make decisions.

• Superego

The superego represents internalised moral standards and ideals learned from parents and society. It acts as a conscience, pushing the ego to behave ethically and feel guilt when rules are broken.

Freud believed that mental health depends on a balance between these three parts. When the id’s desires overpower the ego or superego, a person may act impulsively or feel anxiety and guilt. Defense mechanisms like repression or denial help the ego manage conflicts but can cause problems if overused.

Example of Freud’s Model in Everyday Life

Imagine someone feeling angry after a disagreement. The id urges immediate retaliation, the superego reminds them that violence is wrong, and the ego finds a way to express anger calmly or walk away. If the ego fails, the person might lash out or suppress feelings, leading to stress.

Rogers’ View of the Self and Personality

Carl Rogers, a humanistic psychologist, focused on the conscious self and personal growth. He described the self as the organised, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs about who we are.

Rogers identified two key concepts:

• The Real Self

This is the person’s true feelings, desires, and experiences. It represents authenticity and inner truth.

• The Ideal Self

This is the image of who a person wants to be, shaped by values and expectations from others or society.

When the real self and ideal self are close, a person experiences congruence, leading to psychological well-being. When there is a large gap, called incongruence, it causes distress and confusion.

Rogers emphasised the importance of unconditional positive regard in counselling. This means accepting and valuing a person without judgment, which helps them explore their real self safely and move toward congruence.

Example of Rogers’ Theory in Practice

A client struggling with self-esteem might believe their ideal self is perfect and successful, but their real self feels insecure. Through counsellng, they learn to accept their real self and adjust their ideal self to more realistic goals, reducing inner conflict.

Counselling session showing a calm environment for self-exploration

How Counseling Bridges Freud and Rogers’ Ideas

Counselling often combines insights from both Freud and Rogers to help clients understand their minds and selves better.

• Exploring unconscious conflicts

Inspired by Freud, counsellors help clients uncover hidden feelings or memories that influence current behavior. This can reveal unresolved issues causing anxiety or depression.

• Supporting authentic self-expression

Following Rogers, counsellors create a safe, accepting space where clients can express their true feelings without fear. This encourages self-discovery and growth.

• Balancing inner parts

Counselling helps clients recognise the different parts of themselves—impulses, morals, and conscious thoughts—and find healthier ways to manage conflicts.

• Building self-awareness

Both theories stress the importance of understanding oneself. Counselling guides clients to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to make conscious changes.

Practical Counselling Techniques

• Free association and dream analysis (Freudian)

These techniques help reveal unconscious material by encouraging spontaneous thoughts or interpreting dreams.

• Client-centered therapy (Rogers)

This approach focuses on empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard to foster a trusting relationship.

• Cognitive-behavioral strategies

While not directly from Freud or Rogers, these methods complement their ideas by helping clients change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Why Understanding the Mind Matters for Personal Growth

Knowing how the mind works and the different parts of the self can empower people to:

• Identify sources of inner conflict

• Improve emotional regulation

• Develop healthier relationships

• Increase self-acceptance and confidence

• Make intentional life choices

  
  

Counseling acts as a guide in this process, offering tools and support to navigate complex emotions and thoughts.