What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy

What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy Psychotherapy Print What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy? The Process, Benefits, and Possible Downsides of Psychoanalytic Therapy By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 11, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on August 13, 2019 Alberto Ruggieri / Illustration Works / Getty Images More in Psychotherapy Online Therapy In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overview History Effectiveness Benefits Downsides Conditions Success Rates Other Treatments Finding a Therapist View All Back To Top Psychoanalytic therapy is one of the most well-known treatment modalities, but it is also one of the most misunderstood by mental health consumers. The goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to help patients better understand the unconscious forces that can play a role in current behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This type of therapy is based upon the theories and work of  Sigmund Freud, who founded the school of thought known as psychoanalysis. What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy? Freud described the unconscious as the reservoir of desires, thoughts, and memories that are below the surface of conscious awareness. He believed that it was these unconscious influences that could often lead to psychological distress and disturbances. Psychoanalytic therapy looks at how the  unconscious mind  influences thoughts and behaviors. Psychoanalysis frequently involves looking at early childhood experiences in order to discover how these events might have shaped the individual and how they contribute to current actions. The History of Psychoanalytic Therapy Psychoanalytic theory grew out of the work of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud who began developing his therapeutic techniques in the late 1800s. In 1885, Freud began to study and work with Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière in Paris. Charcot used  hypnosis  to treat women suffering from what was then known as  hysteria. Symptoms of the illness included partial paralysis, hallucinations, and nervousness. Freud continued to research hypnotism in treatment, but his work and friendship with colleague Josef Breuer led to the development of his most famous therapeutic technique. Breuer described his treatment of a young woman, known in the case history as  Anna O., whose symptoms of hysteria were relieved by talking about her traumatic experiences. Freud and Breuer collaborated on a book called  Studies on Hysteria  and Freud continued to develop his use of this talk therapy. This approach proposed that simply talking about problems could help relieve psychological distress. How Does Psychoanalytic Therapy Work? Psychoanalytic therapists generally spend time listening to patients talk about their lives, which is why this method is often referred to as the talking cure. The therapy provider will look for patterns or significant events that may play a role in the clients current difficulties. Psychoanalysts believe that childhood events and unconscious feelings, thoughts, and motivations play a role in mental illness and maladaptive behaviors. Techniques Used in Psychoanalytic Therapy Psychoanalytic therapy also makes use of other techniques including free association, exploration of transference, observing defenses and feelings patients may not be aware of, as well as  dream interpretation. The Psychoanalytic Process People undergoing psychoanalytic therapy often meet with their therapist at least once a week and may remain in therapy for a number of weeks, months, or even years. Through this process, the hope is that people will be able to gain insight and awareness of the unconscious forces that contribute to their current mental state. Treatment Can Be Intensive Patients may sometimes find that psychoanalysis can be quite intense and personal. It involves talking a great deal about past experiences, relationships, and feelings. This can also lead to feelings of discomfort as unconscious forces are brought to light. While the process can sometimes result in uneasiness, it can also be a great way to gain insight and deal with feelings that are difficult to put into words.?? Dealing With Unconscious Forces This approach to therapy often involves provoking emotional responses and overcoming defense mechanisms. Success often hinges on the ability to confront potentially stressful or triggering past experiences. Gaining insight into your feelings, behaviors, and experiences can help you better understand the unconscious forces that continue to exert and influence on your actions, your relationships, and your sense of self. Psychoanalytic therapy may also help you learn techniques for coping when future problems arise. Rather than falling back on unhealthy defenses, you may be better able to recognize your feelings and deal with them in a constructive manner. What Are the Benefits of Psychoanalytic Therapy? As with any approach to mental health treatment, psychoanalytic therapy can have its pluses and minuses. The degree to which these potential benefits and pitfalls influence the choice to use this approach depends on a variety of factors including the individuals preferences and severity of symptoms. In the last few decades, there has been significant research validating this approach’s benefits. The therapist offers an empathetic and nonjudgmental environment where the client can feel safe in revealing feelings or actions that have led to stress and difficulties in his or her life. Often, simply sharing these burdens in the context of a therapeutic relationship can have a beneficial influence. Furthermore, it has been shown that this type of self-examination can lead to continued emotional growth over time. What Are the Downsides to Psychoanalytic Therapy? As with all treatment methods, there are also potential downsides that should be considered. Costs Costs are often cited as the biggest downside of psychoanalytic therapy. Many clients are in therapy for years, so the financial costs associated with this treatment modality can be potentially very high. Time This  type of therapy  has had critics who claim that psychoanalytic therapy is too time-consuming, expensive, and generally ineffective. Some such as Noam Chomsky and Karl Popper suggested that psychoanalysis lacked a scientific basis. Misconceptions of this type of treatment are often connected to some of the earlier, more classical Freudian applications of psychoanalytic treatment. What Conditions Can Psychoanalysis Treat? Psychoanalysis may be used to treat a number of different psychological conditions. Some of the concerns that can be treated using psychoanalytic therapy include: Obsessive-compulsive disorderDepressionPsychosomatic disordersPhobiasAnxietyIdentity problemsEmotion struggles or traumaSelf-destructive behaviorRelationship issuesSexual problems People who are likely to benefit from this form of therapy are often those who have been experiencing symptoms for some time. Long-term symptoms of anxiety, depressed mood, and behaviors that have a negative impact on functioning and enjoyment of life are some possible reasons why people might choose to try psychoanalytic therapy. What Are the Success Rates of Psychoanalysis? While some critics have derided the success rates of psychoanalytic therapy, recent research suggests that this treatment modality can be an effective treatment for a range of issues.?? Psychoanalytic Therapy Is Effective at Symptom Reduction One review of the effectiveness of long-term psychoanalytic therapies found moderate to large success rates for reducing symptoms of a variety of psychopathologies. Another large-scale study looking found that short-term psychoanalytic therapy was effective for general symptom improvement. In addition to these general improvements, the review also found that the psychoanalytic treatment led to lasting improvements in symptoms of somatic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Psychoanalytic Therapy Leads to Lasting Improvements Patients who receive psychoanalytic treatment retain these gains and may continue to improve even after treatment ends. A 2010 review published in American Psychologist found that the scientific evidence supports that psychodynamic therapy was as effective as other evidence-based treatments. How Does Psychoanalysis Differ From Other Treatments? What makes psychoanalytic therapy different from other forms of treatment? A review of the research comparing psychodynamic approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) identified seven features that set the psychoanalytic approach apart.?? The focus on emotions and how they are expressed. Where CBT is centered on cognitions and behaviors, psychoanalytic therapy explores the full range of emotions that a patient is experiencing.The exploration of avoidance. People often avoid certain feelings, thoughts, and situations that they find distressing. Understanding what patients are avoiding can help the therapist and client better explore why such avoidance comes into play.The identification of recurring patterns and themes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In some cases, people are aware of such repetitious actions but may be unable to break out of these unhealthy or destructive patterns. At other times, patients are not aware of how such patterns influence their behaviors.The emphasis on talking about past experiences. Other therapies often focus more on the here-and-now, or how current thoughts and behaviors influence how a patient functions. The psychoanalytic approach helps the patient explore their past and underst and how it affects both the present and future.The exploration of interpersonal relationships. Through the therapy process, patients are able to explore their relations with others, both current and past.The focus on the therapy relationship itself. Because psychoanalytic therapy is so personal, the relationship between the therapist and the patient is an important part of the treatment process.Exploring the patients fantasy life. Where other therapies are often highly structured and goal-oriented, psychoanalytic therapy allows the patient to explore freely. Patients are free to give voice to fears, desires, dreams, and other urges that they have never spoken of before. Tips for Finding a Psychoanalytic Therapist If psychoanalytic therapy sounds like it might be right for you, there are some things you can do to find a therapist in your area. The first step is to begin looking for a therapist who specializes in this form of treatment. How can you find a qualified psychoanalytic therapist? Talk to your doctor. Asking your primary care physician for recommendations is a good first step. Your doctor can also put you in touch with a referral service if needed.Ask a friend. Friends who have had a good experience with psychoanalytic treatment can also be another good source of recommendations.Look online. If you do not have a good referral from someone you know, there are a number of online therapist networks and directories that can point you in the right direction. Once you have identified a potential therapist, make a call to set up an initial consultation. During this consultation, you can further explore if psychoanalytic therapy is the right approach for you. A Word From Verywell Psychoanalytic therapy is just one mental health treatment approach that you may want to consider. This approach may provide benefits that might be well-suited to your particular situation, but always talk to your doctor or therapist to determine which  psychotherapy  method might be the most effective for your individual needs. Try Online Psychotherapy with These Online Therapy Programs