Introduction

The Basics

What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a form of Insight-Oriented Therapy that delves into your unconscious mind to help surface repressed thoughts and feelings that impact your behavior and relationships. By making the unknown known, Psychoanalysis can help you gain more agency over your life and improve your mental health.

Goal

What is the goal of Psychoanalysis?

The goal of Psychoanalysis is profound and far-reaching: to help you understand the unconscious factors that drive your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Think of it like an archaeological dig into your mind — uncovering layer after layer of psychological material that influences one’s life but lies outside one’s awareness.

The aim isn't just symptom relief, but a fundamental restructuring of the personality and an enhanced capacity for work, love, and creativity.

Uses

What does Psychoanalysis treat?

Anyone who has concerns that interfere with the way they want to live their lives could benefit from Psychoanalysis.

Specifically, it can be beneficial for a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to:

• Depression and anxiety (especially when chronic or treatment-resistant)
• Personality disorders
• Phobias
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Relationship difficulties
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Identity issues
• Trauma concerns
• Existential concerns

Subtypes

Are there any subtypes of Psychoanalysis?

Several major subtypes of Psychoanalysis have developed over time, each emphasizing different aspects of human psychology. Classical Freudian Psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious conflicts and drives.

The three main focuses of Freudian Psychoanalysis are:

• Ego psychology, which emphasizes the development of the ego’s functioning and adaptive capacities.
• Object relations theory, which centers on internalized relationships
• Self psychology, which focuses on the development of a cohesive sense of self

Contemporary Psychoanalysis often integrates insights from attachment theory, neuroscience, and other modern approaches.

Effectiveness

Origins

Who developed Psychoanalysis and when?

Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud in Vienna, Austria during the 1890s. Freud's insights emerged from his work with patients suffering from what were then called “hysteric” symptoms — physical complaints that seemed to have psychological, rather than medical, causes. Through careful observation and theoretical development, he created a comprehensive theory of human psychology and a method of treatment that would revolutionize the world’s understanding of the mind.

Evidence Base

Is Psychoanalysis evidence-based?

Psychoanalysis has a complex relationship with research. Traditional Psychoanalysis wasn't developed using modern research methods, and for many years, clinicians relied primarily on case studies rather than controlled trials.

However, recent decades have seen increasing research support for psychoanalytic concepts and techniques. Contemporary studies show effectiveness particularly for complex mental health conditions and personality disorders. Modern neuropsychology has also validated some psychoanalytic insights about unconscious processing and the impact of early experiences on brain development.

How It Works

Techniques Used

How does Psychoanalysis work?

Psychoanalysis works to uncover and understand the unconscious mind through several key mechanisms like free association, dream analysis, and transference analysis.

The most fundamental aspect of Psychoanalysis is free association, which occurs when you share whatever comes to mind without censorship. As the client is engaged in free association, the therapist may notice patterns in thoughts, memories, and feelings that reveal unconscious conflicts and desires. 

Another crucial element is the analysis of transference - the way that a client unconsciously relates to the therapist based on patterns from past relationships. Exploration of transference provides the therapist insight into dynamics of current relationships.

It is through these techniques that repressed thoughts, emotions, and memories residing in the unconscious are brought to light to highlight patterns and conflicts from past experiences. Bringing them to consciousness will then facilitate healing and changes in behavior and relationships. 

• Free association: talking freely about anything that comes to mind
• Dream analysis: finding symbolic meaning in dreams
• Transference: recognizing how past relationships and experiences are connected to the therapeutic one
• Interpretation: understanding the deeper meaning of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Working through: finding interpretations in different contexts
• Catharsis: releasing repressed emotions to promote healing

What to Expect in a Session

What can I expect from a Psychoanalysis session?

While lying on a couch has become the iconic symbol of Psychoanalysis, that method is not as widely practiced anymore.

1. What a client can expect in a typical session is that they will be encouraged to say whatever comes to mind — thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, fantasies, experiences, etc.
2. The therapist, who maintains a neutral stance, will listen carefully and offer interpretations and patterns that help the client understand the deeper meanings of their life experiences and resolve underlying issues.

Treatment Length & Structure

How long does Psychoanalysis typically take? Is there any set structure?

Traditional Psychoanalysis is one of the longest forms of therapy, typically lasting several years with sessions 3-5 times per week. This frequency allows for deep exploration of unconscious material and the development of what therapists call the “analytic process.”

While there's no rigid structure, the treatment typically moves through phases:

1. Beginning with building trust and exploring surface issues
2. Gradually delving into deeper material
3. Working through core conflicts and preparing for termination.

Due to its depth and intensity, Psychoanalysis may not be suitable for all individuals or situations.

Getting Care

Finding a Therapist

How do I find a therapist who uses Psychoanalysis?

Alma’s directory has many therapists who specialize in Psychoanalysis, including: