The unconscious and the creative process. 2006

Althea J Horner
The American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, USA. hornerwork@earthlink.net

Both psychologist and writer, the author describes the creative process from research, psychological, psychoanalytic, and personal experiential perspectives. The approaches of Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, and W. Somerset Maugham to their work are very different, illustrating that the expression of creativity is idiosyncratic and unique. Examples of the author's creative process are also presented. Creativity can be used to help the writer come to terms with and to master his or her conflicts as described by Ray Bradbury. It can also be used simply to discharge those conflicts without coming to terms with them as was the work of Sylvia Plath. The relation between dreaming and creativity is discussed. Creativity is viewed not only as a vehicle for self-expression but also as a vehicle for self-discovery. The therapist's creativity and its relevance to the treatment process is also pointed out.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008513 Medicine in Literature Written or other literary works whose subject matter is medical or about the profession of medicine and related areas. Literature, Medicine in,in Literature, Medicine
D003405 Creativity The ability to generate new ideas or images. Creativeness,Innovativeness,Originality,Artistic Creativity,Creative Ability,Creative Thinking,Ability, Creative,Creative Abilities,Creativity, Artistic,Thinking, Creative
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014473 Unconscious, Psychology Those forces and content of the mind which are not ordinarily available to conscious awareness or to immediate recall. Psychological Unconscious,Subconscious,Unconscious (Psychology),Psychology Unconscious,Unconscious, Psychological
D014956 Writing The act or practice of literary composition, the occupation of writer, or producing or engaging in literary work as a profession.

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