Psychoanalysis

What is psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis is a treatment based on the theory that our present is shaped by our past. We are often unaware of how experiences can affect us. Painful feelings can remain

• in the unconscious mind influence our current mood behaviour
• contribute to problems with Because we are unaware of these forces
• common problem-solving techniques – such as seeking the advice of friends
• family or reading self-help books– often fail to provide relief

Psychoanalysis helps a person take control of these influences by tracing them back to their origins and understanding how they have developed over time. This awareness offers the person the opportunity to deal constructively with the way these influences affect their current life. Some of the problems treated by psychoanalysis include:

• According to psychoanalysis
• the unconscious mind gives hints of the unacknowledged meaning of experiences in different ways

Such hints may include:

• the nature of the patient–therapist relationship. Psychotherapy is an umbrella term
• which describes any form of treatment of the mind. Psychoanalysis is a treatment based on studies of the conscious
• unconscious human mind

All psychoanalysts have a primary qualification in psychiatry, psychology, social work or other health discipline. Well-qualified researchers, educators and selected other professionals may also become psychoanalysts. Training standards for psychoanalysts are set by the are medically qualified doctors with postgraduate experience and training in treating mental illness, using both physical and some psychological treatments.

The title ‘psychoanalyst’ is not regulated by any American laws. This means that anyone can set up practice, even if they have no experience or training.

It is important to find a psychoanalyst through a professional society. have had extensive clinical education. Candidates accepted for training must meet high ethical, psychological and professional standards.

Psychoanalysis is a close relationship

The bonds that develop in the course of treatment create a safe environment for the person to reveal personal information. The experience with the analyst is emotional as well as intellectual.

For example, a person may have difficulty trusting their analyst.

Discussing this may help them explore their problems with trust in their everyday life. The analyst helps by fostering the bond with the patient and helping them interpret the meanings behind their thoughts. This can help the person refine, correct, reject and modify disturbing thoughts and feelings.

During analysis, the person comes to terms with these insights, noting their influence on experience in daily life, in fantasies and in dreams. By working with the analyst, the person can gain control over disabling life patterns and incapacitating symptoms. Over the course of time the person’s behaviour, relationships and sense of self can change in deep and enduring ways.

Regular treatment is needed to develop the closeness and intimacy required for this form of self-exploration. The patient sets their own pace and agenda for the treatment by saying everything that comes into their mind, to the best of their ability.

The setting for treatment is important

Regular session times usually last 50 minutes each week. This helps create a reliable environment in which a patient feels they can trust their psychoanalyst. An analysis may take months or years, because of the deep emotional work involved.

Patients are often asked to lie on a couch, which also helps create a setting of trust.

However, not all patients use a couch

Most psychoanalysts will not take notes during a session with a patient. Taking notes could interfere with their task of listening and responding to the patient. self-esteem , personality, relationships and work Conditions treated by psychoanalysis depression generalised anxiety sexual problems self-destructive behaviour persistent psychological problems, disorders of identity psychosomatic disorders phobias obsessive compulsive disorders The unconscious mind repetitive behaviours topics that the person finds difficult to talk about dreams daydreams Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy International Psychoanalytical Association Psychiatrists Psychologists Finding a professional psychoanalyst Graduate psychoanalysts trained under the auspices of the American Psychoanalytical Society The patient–therapist relationship The psychotherapy session Where to get help Your GP (doctor) The American Psychoanalytical Society Grand Rapids Institute for Psychoanalysis Adelaide Institute for Psychoanalysis Detroit Institute for Psychoanalysis .

Key Points

• What is psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis is a treatment based on the theory that our present is shaped by our past
• Psychotherapy is an umbrella term, which describes any form of treatment of the mind
• Psychoanalysis is a treatment based on studies of the conscious and unconscious human mind
• All psychoanalysts have a primary qualification in psychiatry, psychology, social work or other health discipline
• important to find a psychoanalyst through a professional society