What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, is a unique therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind.

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 means paying attention not only to what the patient believes they are saying but, more importantly, to what they are saying without realizing it.

Psychoanalysis helps us overcome difficulties and crises not only by providing a space to talk but also by expanding our capacity to listen and understand what we say, what we don't say, what we say between the lines, and what remains implicit and unconscious yet still influences our lives.

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.

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.