Psychoanalysis is...

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Description | Discussion | See also

Description

Psychoanalysis is used to treat conditions of stress, anxiety, behavioral problems, eating disorders and personality disorders where the goal of the psychoanalyst is to help liberate the client from dysfunctional unconscious processes, where patterns from the past inhibit social and adult goals.

Two common directions for psychoanalysis is internal, seeking to address problems situated within the internal world and external, which addresses problems in relating the internal and external worlds.

When patients are deeply disturbed, the approach of psychoanalysis is often to provide steady support. When the patient has less serious problems, they are able to handle more critical insights and rational discussion.

Psychoanalysis is not a quick approach and can reach over a number of years, although there are various forms of Brief Therapy that seek to shorten this period, sometimes very dramatically. Training likewise can last up to ten years.

Discussion

Psychoanalysis was originated by Sigmund Freud in 1890s Vienna. Originally a neurologist, he turned to narrative methods to help patients address mental problems.

Since Freud, many analysts have challenged, evolved and extended Freud's basic theses and methods.

The many schools of psychoanalysis share a view of the importance of:

• The division between the external and internal worlds, the interaction between these worlds and how these affect perception.
• The power of unconscious (and hence not realized) processes in affecting feelings and behaviour.
• Early experiences and traumas that affect the adult personality.

See also