Unconscious in Psychology

The concept of the unconscious in psychology (or unconscious mind) summarizes the com- plexity of the dynamics that characterize most of human’s mental functioning. Since the par- adigmatic revolution of the late nineteenth cen- tury, questions such as how the unconscious world is structured, how it influences cogni- tion, emotion, motivation, and behaviors have pushed theoretical reflections and scientific research forward, always suggesting new rein- terpretations of the concept itself. In particular, its impact on psychotherapy fostered the crea- tion of different models and conceptualizations for treatment about the dynamics of the thera- peutic relationship and the individual’s mental functioning. Focusing on the realm of the unconscious mind inevitably opens the gates to the possible, encouraging the formulation of new vocabularies and taxonomies. This contri- bution offers a definition and a historical framework for the idea of the unconscious in the field of psychology. Then, from a brief review of the leading scientific research ques- tions related to this concept, it reflects on the implications for clinical work and its associa- tions with the possible in the therapeutic rela- tionship. Insight and “aha” moments, creativity, nonlinear dynamics, and approaches that combine the advancements of neurosci- ence and psychoanalytical contributions are just some of the theoretical and applicative branches that boldly ventured to “think the unthinkable.”