ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the structure and functioning of the ego, reviewing different definitions and theories of the ego and its development. The chapter begins with cognitive development as described by Piaget and psychosexual and psychosocial development according to Freud. The psychoanalytic theories of Hartmann’s conflict-free sphere of the ego, object relations theory and self psychology are introduced in terms of how the ego is defined, how it functions, and the goals of psychotherapy from each of these approaches. Jung’s archetypal or transpersonal theories of the ego are also included. Ego-strengthening is then presented within the context of these theoretical orientations, how the ego is strengthened in psychotherapy repairing developmental arrests, and how clinical hypnosis can facilitate this process. The concept of Inner Strength is introduced as a hypnotic intervention for ego-strengthening and an example of a hypnotic script is provided and illustrated with case studies.
