On December 3, 2021, Google commemorated Anna Freud on her 125th birth anniversary with a Google Doodle. Anna Freud was not only a pioneer of psychoanalysis but also the daughter of one of the most influential figures in the field, Sigmund Freud.

The search engine giant has been honouring significant individuals and events through its creative and interactive Doodles since 1998.

Who is Anna Freud?

Anna Freud was born on December 3, 1895, in Vienna, Austria. She was the youngest of six children of well-known neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, and his wife, Martha Bernays.

Anna Freud began her association with psychoanalysis at a very young age, accompanying her father on his rounds and attending lectures by renowned psychoanalysts.

Her father’s primary interest was in treating adults, and so Anna Freud was intrigued to discover whether the principles of psychoanalysis could be applied to children.

Honouring Anna Freud

The Google Doodle honours Anna Freud’s contributions to psychoanalysis, particularly her pioneering work with children and adolescents.

She was one of the first psychoanalysts to focus on the psychological development and needs of children and young people. She used her understanding of the psyche to help children struggling with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Anna Freud established the Hampstead Child Therapy Course and Clinic in London in 1947, which offered training for child psychotherapists.

The clinic was known for the variety of services it provided, including play therapy, family therapy, and individual counselling, as well as research into developmental psychology.

Anna Freud’s work

Anna Freud made significant contributions to psychology, including her concept of ‘developmental lines’ – the understanding that children develop in various areas, including social, emotional, and intellectual, in a predictable sequence. Anna Freud also worked with a significant group of displaced children during World War II, studying the effects of trauma and displacement and providing them with education and support.

She wrote several books, including ‘Normality and Pathology in Childhood’ and ‘The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence.’ In 1952, she was appointed as Head of the Hampstead Child Therapy Course and Clinic, which later became the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

Anna Freud’s Legacy

Anna Freud’s work revolutionised the understanding of child development and brought psychoanalysis into the realm of childhood mental health.

She helped to create a systematic approach to the therapy of children and adolescents, which included preventative work, family therapy, and individual therapy.

The ideas and practice of Anna Freud have been embraced globally and continue to be influential in the fields of psychology and education. Her legacy is an inspiration to aspiring psychoanalysts, child therapists, and other mental health experts.

Conclusion

The Google Doodle commemorating Anna Freud on her 125th birthday is a fitting tribute to this extraordinary woman.

Anna Freud’s contributions to psychoanalysis and child psychology have made a significant impact, and her impact continues to be felt decades after her death. Her life and work have made her a legendary figure in the field of medicine.

We honour Anna Freud for not only her contribution to psychoanalysis but also her work with children and adolescents who are struggling with emotional, social and mental difficulties.