what is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is an intensive method of psychotherapy that respects and encourages curiosity about the role of the unconscious in our everyday lives. It can help us become aware of and better understand internal operations that may be causing us pain or suffering without our knowledge.

The confidential and nonjudgmental nature of the setting, as well as the frequency of sessions (typically between two to five times per week) encourages increased freedom of thought and speech that helps bring attention to the patient’s unconscious as it appears in the exchanges with the analyst.

Unconscious thoughts, wishes, desires, or conflicts may emerge in various ways—for example, through slips, lapses, jokes, or dreams shared by the patient or “analysand” in sessions. The unconscious also manifests through transference, which is the feeling that, at times, someone reminds you or is relating to you in a manner reminiscent of someone from your past, usually someone quite influential. Through careful listening and a measured degree of participation, the analyst interprets the transference, which can allow for expanded understanding of how the past may be shaping the present, possibly in ways that are no longer helpful. Working with this phenomenon over time, in concert with developing increased comfort and freedom with one’s own thoughts and feelings, can lead to increased psychological awareness and integration. This better acquaintance with the self can lead to more vibrant, engaged, harmonious living.    

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a psychotherapy based on psychoanalysis and incorporates transference and attention to the unconscious. It is less immersive and usually occurs once or twice per week. Due to the limitations of time, there is less capacity to incorporate free association, though the patient is still encouraged to speak their mind to the best of their ability.