Sigmund Freud believed he gained access to vital material to the unconscious by:
1. Free Association: A Freudian technique in which patients talk about whatever pops into their heads, following one thought to another, without trying to control, monitor, or censor what they are saying. It was first assumed that the patient had to be under hypnosis, but it was later discovered that they didn’t require an altered state of mind but rather involves relaxation. Freud believes he can gain access to the unconscious using free association because when the clients avoid letting their thoughts be ruled by judgment or critical thoughts we allow the mind to freely allow the natural thoughts (unconscious) of a person to flow; revealing patterns in topics, taboo topics, feelings, etc.
2. Dream analysis: the detailed examination of the content and symbolism of a dream in order to decipher their hidden, unconscious meanings. It is believed by some that dreams are a gateway to a person’s unconscious. If a person can remember their dreams, it would then be possible to analyze in order to find meaning/ a message from their unconscious mind. However, this can be tricky as dreams are not straightforward; they use symbolism to hide the true meaning of the dream in order to hide our dark urges and instincts.
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Parapraxes (Freudian slip): mistakes in speaking, or acting caused by unconscious desires. Freudian slips can be used to reach the unconscious because at times the unconscious slips out, giving us a direct link. For instance, one episode of Friends Ross said the wrong name at his wedding. Some may say that this is a Freudian slip because Ross actually wanted to marry Rachel (ex-girlfriend) and not Emily (the bride). We must be careful because there are other types of parapraxes that are not considered a Freudian slip because our minds naturally say the wrong things at times for numerous reasons such as sleepiness, alter state of mind, or just a brain