How Freudian Theory Informs Tony Soprano’s Therapy Sessions

Question:-

discuss how freudian theory informs Tony Soprano’s therapy sessions. What are Tony’s symptoms and how do the therapy sessions attempt to address his issues?

Answer:-

The father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud has highlighted the nature and importance of unconscious mind, Oedipus complex, slips and dream symbolism, repression, and cultural artifacts in psychoanalysis. He had improved his theory multiple times and also addressed the neurotic symptoms of phobia, obsession, depression, compulsion, hysteria etc. which are relevant in Tony Soprano’s case as well (Gay, 1998). His condition can be explained with the help of this theory as his problems were the results of emotional conflicts. He continuously struggled with his desires and guilt, which according to the theory, resulted in his anxiety and panic attacks. Although Freud advocated hypnosis as a treatment earlier, he changed his views later and recommended a form of treatment which allowed the patient to talk about the issues. This method of “talking cure” is now an integral part of psychoanalysis and also exhibited in the case of Tony Soprano.

Feud’s specialized neurasthenics has been applied in Tony’s therapy sessions. It involved the art of listening to the patient’s problems which has been exhibited by Dr. Melfi. She had carefully listened to the issues faced by Tony and also used her own perception and introspection to analyze his mental state. The therapist played the role of a silent listener and encouraged the analysis, allowed to Tony to say whatever floated his mind and did not stop him when he repeated facts or behaved foolishly or outrageously (Nochimson, 2003). She helped him on certain occasions by intervening his expressions when he faced difficulty in expressing his thoughts or emotions. Freud specified the mode of intervention by the therapist or the analyst following which she confronted and clarified Tony’s pathological defenses, wishes and guilt. The aim of this method was to find the most effective and useful treatment for neurotic disorder and hysteric patients.

Tony’s first visit to the therapist was after panic attacks, one of the major incidents were after watching a family of ducks fly away which had been living in his pool. He was emotionally attached to the birds and loved watching them. He had also fainted once during driving. Tony is clinically depressed. He had several incidents of fainting. The main symptoms felt by Tony are increased heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain and breathing troubles. He has been juggling between family and professional life. His subconscious was torn because he was forced into the life of crime, it was not by choice (Chase, 1999). His relationship with his wife Carmela and his two children, Meadow and Anthony Jr. was strained and volatile. However, he was a passionate man who ardently loved his family, especially his children. He wants to give his children a happy and safe life away from the life of crime (Lowe, 2008). He has temper issues but he is intelligent and reasonable. Freud’s theory of unconscious mind is portrayed in Tony’s behavior. The mechanism of repression is visible in him. He has also faced the redefinition of his sexual desire. His tears at the choir recital, telling everyone about the aspiration of pediatrician career and his panic attacks have been with him since his childhood. After the explosion incident at his son’s birthday party, he had fainted and he had to go through many medical tests and finally visits Dr. Melfi, the psychiatrist.

Supported by DSM Codes his panic disorder does not show any signs of Agoraphobia, rather there is a strong connection with Anti-Social Personality Disorder. Also, his behavior is highly indicative of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which can be again related to heavy fluctuations in his moods and temper. His problem of anxiety is needed further diagnosis (Craske & Waters, 2005). His Anti-Social Personality Disorder can be verified by his symptoms of unlawful behavior which goes against the typical social norms and is proved by his repeated arrests, irritable behavior and aggressive expressions supported by indulgence in fights and assaulting those around him. Although he does feel guilty in his subconscious, he does not feel any remorse which is supported by the fact that he does not realize the impact of stealing, hurting or misbehaving on another individual. He cannot rationally process the results of hurting. It is quite probable that his conduct disorder issues had started in his puberty, on or before 15 years of age. He also suffers from Schizophrenia and hysteria or manic. During the phases of his attacks when he showed the symptoms of these disorders, he exhibited most of his anti-social conduct. Delusion is also a symptom in his case.