Psychoanalysis Therapy
Psychoanalysis is a form of therapy that aims for a cathartic release of repressed emotions and memories. This is achieved by allowing the individual to dive deep into the big questions of life and matters of importance to understand the unconscious forces that are at play.
Psychoanalysis school of thought was founded by Sigmund Freud, who believed that unconscious mind is the reservoir of desires, thoughts and memories that often lead to psychological distress. This therapy involves gaining understanding of the childhood experiences to discover how these events may have shaped the person & how they influence his or her current behaviours.
Key features of psychoanalytic therapy:
- Explores full range of emotions that the patient experiences
- Explores feelings, thoughts and situations that the patient avoids
- Identifies recurring patterns in thoughts, feelings or behaviours
- Emphasises on talking about past experiences
- Explores interpersonal relationships
- Explores patient’s deep fantasies
What are the techniques used in psychoanalytic therapy?
In this form of therapy, the therapists look for patterns or significant events while the patient talks about his or her life. Apart from this, psychoanalytic therapy may also use techniques such as:
- Free Association
- Exploration of Transference
- Resistance Analysis
- Dream Interpretation
What conditions can psychoanalysis treat?
- Obsessive Compulsive disorder
- Depression
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Sexual problems
- Identity crisis
- Emotional trauma