Karen Horney - Understanding the Path to the Real Self. Deep in the psyche of each of us there is a constant struggle between who we are and who we would like to be. This dialogue between the Real and Ideal Self is often difficult to comprehend, but it determines our behavior, our relationships, and also our perception of ourselves and the world around us. These questions were first explored through the efforts of the eminent psychoanalyst Karen Horney. When I first encountered Horney's work, I was struck by the depth of her analysis of the human psyche. She not only offered an alternative view of Freud's theories, but also allowed many psychologists, including myself, to see patients in a new light. Karen argued that the basis of our conflicts and suffering is an unmet need for security. This internal imbalance creates the “tyranny of the Should,” causing us to build an idealized image of ourselves that is often far from reality. The Ideal Self as a Reflection of Cultural Expectations. Our societal structures, cultural norms, and social expectations play a critical role in shaping our Ideal Self. . Karen Horney's view of the sociocultural aspects of personality formation was a real revolution in psychoanalysis. I am often reminded of how many of my clients describe themselves through the lens of social and cultural expectations. Adherence to these standards can be a source of pride, but also a source of anxiety and insecurity. Cultural standards and societal norms are known to put pressure on us starting in early childhood. Parents, teachers, peers - they all involuntarily convey to us their ideas about how to live “correctly”. These standards are often disguised as concern for our well-being, but as Horney's research has shown, they can be a source of internal conflict. In practice, we often encounter adult clients who have felt deep disappointment in themselves due to the discrepancy between their self and the image they were trying to achieve. create over the years. Often this led them to a feeling of loss of meaning in life and an identity crisis. The path to the Real “I” is the healing of the soul and mind. The path to the Real “I” is the path to understanding one’s true essence, one’s desires and needs. It is a journey into ourselves that requires courage, sincerity and a desire to change. Karen Horney said that the source of many of our problems is alienation from ourselves. Healing this gap requires us to be aware of our internal conflicts and be willing to work on them. On the path to the Real Self, every person faces obstacles, external and internal, that may seem insurmountable. However, as Karen Horney said, when we begin to accept ourselves as we are, with our flaws and weaknesses, we open the door to true freedom. In our society, where so many strive for perfection, admitting our weaknesses can seem like a sign of weakness. But it is this recognition that makes it possible to accept yourself and begin to live a full life, without looking at the expectations of others. Have you ever had to hide your true feelings for years, fearing condemnation? However, when we find the strength to admit our “weaknesses,” our lives begin to change for the better. We begin to feel a deep inner peace and joy in being ourselves. This, in my opinion, is the true value of Karen Horney's teachings. She showed us the way to ourselves, to the true essence of a person, freed from social patterns and stereotypes. This path is not always easy, but it leads to true happiness and harmony. Each of us is unique. Everyone has their own unique potential. And only by accepting ourselves, realizing our fears and desires, can we become real, living, happy people. Don't be afraid to follow this path, because at the end of it, your true self awaits you.".