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What Is Psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis, also known as “talk therapy,” is a type of treatment based on the theories of Sigmund Freud, who is frequently called the “father of psychoanalysis.” Freud developed this treatment modality for patients who did not respond to the psychological or medical treatments available during his time.
Psychoanalysts help clients tap into their unconscious mind to recover repressed emotions and deep-seated, sometimes forgotten experiences. By gaining a better understanding of their subconscious mind, patients acquire insight into the internal motivators that drive their thoughts and behaviors. Doing so enables patients to work toward changing negative, destructive behaviors.
What Does a Psychoanalyst Do?
Using the principles of psychoanalytic theory, an analyst provides therapy. During the therapy sessions, the psychoanalyst listens as the patient discusses fantasies and dreams and narrates experiences. The therapist searches for recurring patterns or events from the past that may play a role in the patient’s current problems. A psychoanalyst also:
What Issues Can Psychoanalysis Treat?
Psychoanalysis is used to treat a variety of conditions and emotional problems in both adults and children. A variety of issues typically respond well to this type of treatment, including:
How Does Psychoanalytic Treatment Work?
These three components form the structural model of what we know as personality. The interaction between the three presents a struggle for dominance, which takes place within every person. Psychoanalytic treatment helps alleviate the underlying tensions that occur between the id, ego, and superego. In an attempt to balance these three mental functions, patients must unveil their unconscious thoughts and feelings.
In most traditional psychoanalysis therapies, the patient lies on a couch while the therapist sits behind the patient to prevent eye contact. This position helps the patient feel comfortable, so he or she can reach a more intimate level of discussion with the psychotherapist.
Psychoanalytic therapy typically comprises a long-term course of treatment. Clients often meet with their therapist at least once a week and can remain in therapy for a number of years.
Psychoanalytic Techniques
A variety of therapeutic techniques are used during psychoanalysis, all of which are employed in an attempt to maximize insight and gain awareness into the patient’s behavior. Some of the more popular methods include:
Psychoanalytic Treatment: Goals and Objectives
One of the primary aims of psychoanalysis is to help patients identify the hidden thoughts, behaviors, and desires that are creating problems in their day-to-day existence. The objective is to help patients understand the issues that have caused deeply rooted problems and a maladaptive perspective on life. Psychoanalysis assists the patient in adopting a fresh viewpoint. This new attitude can generate significant change and growth in the patient’s life.
Psychoanalysis: Myths and False Stereotypes
Numerous false stereotypes and myths are associated with psychoanalysis. The general public typically holds an outdated view of psychoanalysis, perhaps gathered from television or movie portrayals of psychoanalysts, which is far from accurate. Some of the most common stereotypes of psychoanalysis include:
When Is Psychoanalytic Therapy Recommended?
Psychoanalysis is better suited for some patients than for others. It is particularly useful for those people who want to develop an in-depth understanding of their internal motivators. This therapy also works well for those who want to make sense of their experiences and deal with the heart of the dilemma rather than just its manifestations. The patient in psychoanalysis typically must undergo long-term treatment, which indicates both willingness and commitment to what sometimes can be a painful growth process.
Psychoanalysis: Limitations and Effectiveness
As with any therapy, psychoanalysis has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of this therapeutic method include:
Some of the potential drawbacks of psychoanalysis include:
Psychoanalyst: Education, Training, and Licensing
After potential candidates meet all the requirements, they can apply to a training program in psychoanalysis, which typically comprises the following three components:
This training thoroughly prepares the student to become a skilled, knowledgeable, and confident psychoanalyst.
Psychoanalysis is an important psychological therapy method that can provide lasting benefits to patients — even long after treatment has ended. Psychoanalytic therapy helps individuals gain an in-depth understanding of the psychological roots that drive their thoughts and behaviors. This process of self-exploration helps the patient gain insight into their own behavior and motivators, which leads them to make healthy, even life-altering, changes.
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