Sigmund Freud's Psychodynamic Theory

Dexter remains to be a complex character that is not easily analyzed due to the very distinct aspects of his personality. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory delivers most of the reasoning behind Dexter’s psychopathic inclinations. This theory overall stresses what the effects of unconscious thoughts has on one’s personality and behavior later during their adult life. Most of Freud’s theory applies to Dexter because his constant and unwavering desire to commit murder initiated before he could even remember his mother’s death. The urge came from deep inside his unconscious mind and the urges were too strong for the Ego to keep them at bay. From the way Dexter cannot suppress the craving to kill, it can be displayed that unconscious feelings have an

overwhelming influence on his personality as well as behavior. Along with Freud’s perspective, the Neo-Analytic perspective is also a proficient approach in evaluating an individual’s personality, specifically Dexter’s. The hero archetype is particularly accurate method in relation to Dexter’s personality because he reflects both the negative and positive sides of it. While a helping others, he is also committing many crimes in tandem. He may be providing justice to those that have been wronged, but not without dire consequence.
Concerning Jung’s theory, he provides treatment options that could help Dexter with his internal struggle with the desire to kill.

This approach is called analytical psychotherapy, which helps individuals manage their psychic imbalances. Explicitly for Dexter, this type of therapy could help him manage his “Dark Passenger” and release the mask her wear, hiding his true nature. First, Dexter would go through the confession stage where he can talk freely about his dark natured problems. Second, he will go through the elucidation stage where he will want answers and explanations for why he wants to kill all the time. Next, Dexter will pass through the education stage where the therapist and him will discuss options on how to proceed through his life with a different outlook. The fourth and final stage is called the transformation stage where Dexter will need to reach a level of high self-realization in order to establish higher sense of meaning to his life (Carducci, 2009). By seeking out this type of treatment Dexter may have a chance of better himself and his serial killer inclinations. While Dexter may function in his day-to-day life, he continues to live a double life, hindering his ability to live a full and normal

life.