At the beginning of the 20th century, the concept of catharsis entered psychology and psychotherapy. It is based on the psychotherapeutic practice of psychoanalysis, the pioneer of which is considered to be Sigmund Freud. In psychoanalysis, the concept of "catharsis" is synonymous with response, which leads to the elimination of deep inner conflicts of the patient and deliverance from mental suffering.
Translated from Greek, the term "catharsis" means "healing" or "cleansing". The essence of the method proposed by Freud and developed by his followers is the deliberate introduction of a person into a state of hypnosis. Such an altered state of consciousness of the patient opens the psychotherapist access to painful memories and traumatic experiences of the person who asked for help. The release of unconscious impulses is followed by the release of experiences, in most cases leading to the elimination of pathogenic manifestations.
The catharsis effect can be interpreted as follows. Against the background of the strongest experiences, accompanied by bodily sensations, a person removes internal conflict, passing into a state of tension-free. The greatest psychotherapeutic effect is achieved when the patient consciously goes through past painful events for him, connecting his mind, emotions, and physical sensations. This is not about verbal reproduction of traumatic pictures of the past, but about complete immersion in them with access to the sphere of the unconscious.
Passing through catharsis makes it possible to get to the deep roots of psychological conflict and eliminate the cause of painful experiences. At the same time, the emphasis is on somatic and emotional release, and not on logical constructions. Self-analysis and attempts to find a reasonable explanation for the inadequacy of the personality to the conditions of the situation only complicates the achievement of purification.
The patient's experience of catharsis often immediately leads to his immersion in a state of serenity, a sharp improvement in physical well-being. For a long time, the accumulated charge, discharged through catharsis, brings a feeling of complete liberation and cleansing from the traumatic situation. As a rule, passing through a cathartic experience brings a feeling of complete freedom into a person's life, and in some cases removes the need for further therapeutic influences.