Psychoanalysis is a form of talk therapy that examines a person’s unconscious mental processes in an effort to help the patient gain insight into their ideas, feelings, and behaviours. The therapy is predicated on the theory that our experiences in the past, particularly those from our childhood, can have an impact on how we behave and feel in the present moment.
The patient is assisted by a qualified therapist who guides them deeper into their unconscious thoughts and memories during the psychoanalytic process. The patient is urged to speak openly about whatever that comes to mind, regardless of whether or not it appears to be irrelevant or embarrassing. The therapist may also analyse the patient’s dreams and make use of other techniques in order to assist the patient in understanding the thoughts and patterns of behaviour that are occurring within their unconscious mind.
The purpose of psychoanalysis is to assist patients in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, as well as in bringing about desired changes in their lives. It’s possible that the process will take a very long time and be difficult, but those who are dedicated to seeing it through will be rewarded handsomely for their efforts.
In most cases, psychoanalysis is practised in the context of individual treatment sessions conducted between a skilled psychoanalyst or psychotherapist and a patient. The patient and the therapist work together during the treatment process, during which the therapist guides the patient through the exploration of their unconscious mind and assists the patient in gaining insights into their ideas, feelings, and behaviours.
The following is an illustration of one way in which psychoanalysis can be applied to a patient:
Let’s imagine that Sarah, the patient, has been dealing with issues of anxiety and depression for a good number of years. Sarah and her therapist investigate her prior experiences and relationships through the lens of psychoanalysis, with a particular emphasis on Sarah’s youth.
Sarah opens up about her early relationships with her parents, who she describes as being frequently judgmental and demanding, during the course of the therapy sessions. She also recalls times when she felt ignored and alone due to the fact that her parents were frequently too preoccupied with their careers to spend time with her.
As the therapy continues, Sarah and her therapist start making connections between her current challenges and the experiences she’s had in the past. They discover the ways in which Sarah’s early life experiences have contributed to her current patterns of thinking and behaviour, such as her predisposition to engage in self-criticism and her fear of being rejected.
Sarah is able to acquire insight into her unconscious thoughts and feelings and is beginning to build a stronger awareness of herself as a result of her participation in psychoanalysis. She acquires new coping skills and methods to assist her in managing her anxiety and sadness, and this benefit her a great deal.
In this particular illustration, psychoanalysis assists Sarah in exploring her unconscious mind, gaining insight into the experiences that have shaped her, and making positive changes in her life at the present time.
While psychoanalysis is an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, it is a highly individualised and intensive therapy that requires a great deal of commitment and effort from both the therapist and the patient.
