South Africa psychologists explore evolving sexuality theories, from Freud to existential frameworks. Expand your CPD courses on identity and psychotherapeutic work.
South African psychologists interested in psychoanalytic ideas about sexuality will find this course thought-provoking. Professor Donald Carveth begins with Freud's view of the human being as biologically driven by instinctual sexual drives, then contrasts it with theorists such as Erich Fromm, who see sexuality as also structured by symbolic thought and cultural narrative. He revisits Freud's psychosexual stages as thematic, symbolic processes rather than purely biological ones. Practitioners are invited to reflect on how sexuality, identity and narrative shape the self. The course is accredited by the HPCSA for CPD points and supports clinical work with clients presenting with sexuality and identity concerns.
In this thought-provoking talk, Professor Donald Carveth explores evolving perspectives on human sexuality, from classical Freudian theory to post-Freudian and existential frameworks. Beginning with Freud’s view of the human as biologically driven and shaped by instinctual sexual drives, Prof. Carveth contrasts this with the work of theorists such as Erich Fromm, who propose that human sexuality is also structured through symbolic thought and cultural narratives.
Prof. Carveth revisits Freud’s psychosexual stages—not simply as stages of biological development, but as thematically rich and symbolically organized processes. This presentation invites practitioners to reconsider how sexuality, identity, and narrative interact in the formation of the self and to reflect on the implications for psychotherapeutic work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe Freud’s theory of sexuality and its role in shaping personality.
Contrast Freudian drive theory with existential and narrative perspectives on human sexuality.
Understand psychosexual stages as thematic and symbolic processes rather than purely biological ones.
Reflect on how cultural and psychological narratives shape sexual identity and behavior.
Apply these conceptual frameworks to clinical work with clients presenting issues related to sexuality, identity, and developmental history.