Subconscious

The subconscious mind encompasses cognitive functions that impact one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions without their active awareness. While not directly accessible, the subconscious contains the memory, habits, and reflexive behaviors that govern most daily actions. Within the discipline of psychology, the term ‘subconscious’ is most closely associated with the work of Freud and his tripartite model of the mind comprising the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. Knowledge of the subconscious aids therapists in identifying emotional connections and hidden psychological drivers. For example, someone who avoids dogs due to a childhood biting incident and does not consciously remember the event illustrates the impact of the subconscious mind.