What is Psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, is a unique therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind.
Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same patterns or why certain feelings seem to linger no matter what you do? Psychoanalysis may help you uncover the underlying reasons and open the door to meaningful change.
Our behaviors, thoughts, and desires are influenced by parts of ourselves that we are unaware of (unconscious). In sessions, the analyst helps you uncover these hidden parts and understand the unconscious logic that affects your actions. This process can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
Psychoanalysis is an intellectual and creative process that helps individuals examine their moments of crisis and difficulty, transforming obstacles into starting points rather than stopping points.
So, if you want to address an impasse and understand why things happen the way they do, and if you believe there's more beneath the surface, psychoanalysis is for you.
What is Psychoanalysis For?
People often turn to psychoanalysis when they:
- Experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or panic attacks that are disrupting their lives.
- Feel a pervasive sense of loss, frustration, emptiness, or simply feel stuck. These may signal the need for deeper exploration.
- Have a desire to understand oneself better, reassess desires and values, and break free from repetitive patterns.
- Want to find new ways of self-realization and manage conflicts more effectively.
- Struggle to express their true thoughts and feelings or have experienced traumatic events.
How Does It Work?
In psychoanalysis, the patient is encouraged to speak freely, while the analyst’s role is to listen and guide the patient in understanding their own unconscious. This involves more than just paying attention to what is said; it requires noticing how much more is being communicated than the patient consciously realizes.
Often, we believe we know what we are saying and why we are saying it. But through the dialogue with an analyst, we may start to hear ourselves differently. The analyst’s role is not to judge or interpret in a definitive way, but to introduce questions that gently disrupt our certainty. Why do we believe what we believe? Why do we say what we say?
This process opens up the possibility of reconsidering things we have always taken for granted—beliefs, assumptions, and patterns that we assumed were self-evident but may actually have deeper, unconscious origins. It’s not about jumping to conclusions or finding quick answers, but about creating a space where questioning becomes possible.
Through this reflective process, psychoanalysis helps us expand our capacity to listen—not just to others, but to ourselves. It allows us to uncover the implicit meanings, unconscious assumptions, and unspoken implications in our words, giving us the opportunity to reframe how we understand ourselves and our experiences.
Psychoanalysis is Non-Judgmental
Unlike many other psychotherapies, psychoanalysis does not propose a “more right” worldview. It is a method of investigation that is fundamentally non-judgmental, aiming to dismantle preconceived meanings and uncover hidden truths. Rather than seeking to normalize behavior, psychoanalysis is a process of discovery and invention, helping individuals to uncover and understand their unique internal worlds.
How Is Psychoanalysis Different from Other Approaches?
Psychoanalysis differs from other approaches because it delves into the unconscious, offering insights that other therapies often cannot reach. It is not about providing self-improvement techniques or advice but about creating a safe and confidential space to express and explore thoughts and feelings freely.
In psychoanalysis, a symptom is not seen as a disease to be cured but as an important message worth listening to. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of deeper needs and desires. By understanding them, we can reintegrate what needs to be addressed in our lives, leading to a more integrated and authentic self.
While counseling and psychotherapy can effectively address surface issues, psychoanalysis aims to uncover the unconscious dynamics that shape our experiences. This deeper exploration can lead to profound and lasting change, promoting a thorough understanding of oneself.
For Freud, psychoanalysis is like sculpture, taking away from the block of stone all that hides the statue within. It doesn’t seek to add anything new but to reveal something hidden. This contrasts with other therapeutic approaches, which are more like painting. These approaches might superimpose new ideas or suggestions, adding layers to the individual’s existing experiences rather than uncovering the underlying essence.
If you’re curious about uncovering the hidden motivations behind your struggles and finding new ways of being, psychoanalysis might be the path for you. Contact me.