Theodor Reik And The Separation Between Psychoanalysis And Medicine
Theodor Reik was not only a recognized psychoanalyst. Nor was he only the author of important writings and in-depth reflections. He definitely marked the history of psychoanalysis. His case made it possible for analytical practice not to be restricted to physicians. It could be applied by non-health professionals. It is one of the great hallmarks of psychoanalysis.
Important contributions to psychoanalytic theory are due to Theodor Reik. He worked in detail on the theme of “ the disturbing ”, an aspect which is part of Sigmund Freud’s reflections on “the bad omen”. Reik therefore studied the concept of guilty criminals. They are in fact those who break the law with the unconscious aim of receiving punishment.
In total, Theodor Reik has written over 100 texts, essays and books. Among his most famous works, we can name: The need to confess , Listening with the third ear and Masochism . Unfortunately, Theodor Reik did not achieve during his lifetime the significant success he enjoyed after his death.
Theodor Reik, his early years
Like most psychoanalysts of the time, Theodor Reik came from a Jewish family. His was modest and of Austrian origin. Reik was born in Vienna on May 12, 1888. During his childhood he witnessed many conflicts between his father and grandfather. One was a free thinker while the other was an almost fanatic religious.
Reik’s mother was emotionally unstable. She died of a strong depression which marked the childhood of the future psychoanalyst. When he was only 18, his father also left this world. This forced him to work in order to meet the needs of the family. The situation caused him to experience strong anxiety attacks. In these cases, the guilt crippled him and he self-mutilated.
Despite all the constraints, he ended up obtaining a diploma in philosophy and letters. His thesis was based on the analysis of The Temptation of Saint Anthony, a work by Gustave Flaubert. His studies and his emotional worries brought him closer to psychoanalytic theory. He personally met Sigmund Freud and he forged a bond with him that never broke.
Theodor Reik, the spiritual son of Freud
Freud refused to take Theodor Reik for analysis. He decided to send him to another of the psychoanalysts in his circle: Karl Abraham. Freud paid for his psychoanalysis. He even went above and beyond. He placed him under protection and sent him monthly installments to cover his expenses. Reik, who was starting to become a psychoanalyst, had difficulty performing his job because he was not a doctor.
It was at this time that Reik collaborated with Freud’s work. And this, particularly by analyzing the theme of Fear. His contributions were very well received and they were recorded in two important documents on the subject: one published in 1924 and the other in 1929.
The relationship between Theodor Reik and Freud was very close. In fact, Reik dressed like Freud, he trimmed his beard like him, he spoke like him and he even smoked the same cigarettes as the father of psychoanalysis. For his part, Freud identified his disciple’s “father’s desire” and considered him to be his spiritual son.
Non-medical psychoanalysis
In 1925, a famous lawsuit broke out against Theodor Reik. He was then forbidden to practice psychoanalysis because he was not a medical professional. This case triggered a strong controversy within the psychoanalyst movement. Some were opposed to the idea that non-health professionals could practice psychoanalysis. Almost all of them were citizens of the United States. Others, almost all European, accepted the fact that non-health professionals could exercise analytical practice.
The controversy prompted Sigmund Freud to publish a writing on the subject. He called out to her, “Can lay health professionals exercise analysis?” . The debate covers important dimensions. Reik decided to settle in Berlin. He was convinced that there he could practice psychoanalysis. However, the arrival of the Nazis forced him to emigrate first to Holland, then to the United States.
North American psychoanalysts never accepted him as one of their own. This prompted Theodor Reik to develop the “third ear” thesis. According to this, the psychoanalyst worked fundamentally with his intuition, which constitutes the axis of his countertransference work. Reik died of heart problems on December 31, 1969.
Our thoughts Sigmund Freud learned to speak Spanish in a self-taught way, only for the pleasure of reading “Don Quixote de la Mancha” in his original language …
