Human beings generally believe they should be able to control their lives through conscious willpower, and Freud's theory that they are motivated by unconscious psychodynamics threatens their sense of personal control. It leaves people feeling somewhat helpless, less certain about navigating their lives. Freud then added insult to injury by portraying human beings as motivated by sexual and aggressive animalistic impulses. This was a shattering blow to the belief of human superiority over animals. But perhaps the greatest threat of Freudian theory concerned what lurks in the unconscious mind.
Many people are afraid of their dark side.
They fear if they examine their deepest emotional recesses, especially in the presence of an analyst, they will uncover what is worst about themselves and feel unbearable shame or guilt. For example, it is not uncommon for people to suspect they are crazy and that psychoanalysis will validate this. Other fears include being too aggressive, exhibitionistic, perverted, selfish, dependent or depressed. The anticipation of uncovering these undesirable traits and impulses can threaten one's psychic survival. Moreover, many experience the prospect of psychoanalysis as endangering vital ties to loved ones.