Josef Breuer
Early Life and Education
Josef Breuer was born on January 15, 1842, in Vienna, the capital of Austria. He was the son of Leopold Breuer, a religious scholar, and his wife, Augustine. Breuer received his early education from his father before attending the Akademisches Gymnasium, a prestigious high school in Vienna.
In 1858, Breuer enrolled at the University of Vienna to study medicine. He was particularly influenced by the teachings of Ernst Wilhelm von Brücke, a renowned physiologist. Breuer completed his medical degree in 1864, specializing in physiology.
Career and Contributions to Psychology
Breuer began his medical career as an assistant to von Brücke at the University of Vienna. He made significant contributions to the field of physiology, including the discovery of the Hering-Breuer reflex, a mechanism that controls the rate of breathing.
In the mid-1870s, Breuer started to take an interest in psychology. His most significant contribution to this field was his work with Bertha Pappenheim, a patient he referred to as Anna O. Breuer used a technique he called "talking cure" or catharsis, which involved the patient talking about their experiences and emotions. This technique laid the groundwork for psychoanalysis, a method of psychological therapy pioneered by Sigmund Freud.
Relationship with Sigmund Freud
Breuer and Freud had a complex relationship. They collaborated on the development of psychoanalysis and co-authored a book, Studies on Hysteria. However, they had disagreements over the sexual theories proposed by Freud, which led to a professional and personal rift.
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Breuer continued his medical practice and research in Vienna. He died on June 20, 1925.
Legacy
Breuer's work has had a lasting impact on psychology, particularly the field of psychoanalysis. His "talking cure" technique is considered a precursor to modern psychotherapy.