"[Freud became a] whole climate of opinion / under whom we conduct our different lives." W.H. Auden Sigmund Freud is rightly called the godfather of psychoanalysis. He forever changed the way we view ourselves and developed our understanding of human nature. His concepts have become part of our psychological vocabulary: unconscious thoughts and feelings, conflict, the meaning of dreams, the sensuality of childhood. He dared to try new methods and treatments. Everyone knows the term Freudian slip and has a basic understanding of his theories, however, Freud gave us a great deal more. From education to critical theory he changed the way we think. His ideas and clinical practices offer psychological insights that bring help and healing. Freud's work has suffused contemporary Western thought and popular culture. He is the epitome of a pocket GIANT. AUTHOR: Alistair Ross is a psychodynamic therapist, trainer, and recovering hill- walker. He grew up in Glasgow, then the West Country but after twenty years as a minister of religion (Baptist) he now works as Director of Psychodynamic Studies at Oxford University. He is also an Associate Professor (Psychotherapy), the first such post at Oxford and Dean of Kellogg College. He is Chair of Professional Ethics and Quality Standards for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. SELLING POINTS: ? The most widely recognised psychologist in history ? Global appeal; he's the bedrock of psychology degrees the world over ? The godfather of psychoanalysis, who spawned his own school of thought ? Divisive character ? you are either on his side or totally against him
