Psychoanalytic therapy: how does it work?

George Alvarez 17-07-2023
George Alvarez

Although they need it, many people feel afraid to seek psychoanalytic family therapy. However, with more knowledge on the subject, you can be sure of what you will find in your consultations. Let's understand what it is psychoanalytic therapy and how it can help your personal growth.

Psychoanalytic therapy, what is it?

Psychoanalytic therapy is a method of mental and behavioral healing based on Freud's ideas In a psychoanalysis session, the patient will elaborate, together with the psychoanalyst, the issues that impact his or her life. Little by little, they will go through an individual reintegration, which brings to the person a better understanding of his or her own existence.

As a result, the patient will better understand the reasons for his decline as a whole. Even if he doesn't realize it, his coexistence with the world over time has left its mark on his mind. This relationship was one of the main factors for who we are today.

Thus, a psychoanalytically-oriented brief therapy helps to put pieces in their proper places and to answer important questions. For those who seek changes and a re-signification of life, this therapeutic resource is a valuable help.

What to expect from the session?

The psychoanalytic approach in occupational therapy resembles some of the clichés of the movies. This is because, in fact, patients can lie on a couch to do their treatment. Here begins the famous speech healing, where you will just say what you think is important and the psychoanalyst will listen .

The free association method consists of verbalizing whatever comes to mind. Although it may seem random, the impulse to select certain facts in order to tell them is explained later. The psychoanalyst will make notes about what is said and, later, will help the analyzed to make an association with his/her life.

At the end of each session, there is a conversation about why life is going the way it is. The moment is usually relaxing, since the patient can express without fear or guilt everything that ails him. Little by little, he obtains greater clarity of himself with the therapist.

See_also: Fear of Heights: meaning and treatment in Psychoanalysis

Paths of psychoanalytic therapy

It is important to make clear that the lines of progress in t psychoanalytic therapy The psychoanalyst can't make any moves or interventions if his client doesn't let him. You have to be willing and flexible to help the individual and meet their momentary needs .

The initial approach should lead the other person to feel comfortable in thinking about returning. Not to mention that it must be made clear that just one session will not completely solve the visitor's problem. Remember that any cathedral is not built in a day, let alone your well-being.

Furthermore, it is recommended to contact the therapist whenever you feel it is necessary, avoiding keeping any impressions to yourself. Whether it is a return or a progression, the therapist can align how you are changing. Finally, the patient needs to overcome the temptation to give up the sessions and think about his or her well-being.

The work done together

Each and every family has its problems, and there is no shame in admitting that. After all, the personal construction of each member can end up clashing with the others and fuel disagreements. The essence of family therapy based on psychoanalytic theory is to work on the problems of the whole circle simultaneously .

As stated above, the therapist needs to be versatile in approaching the patient's problems. The use of hypnosis, for example, can be an interesting and effective resource to apply. The importance of using hypnosis in psychoanalytic therapy protects the individual's stability and security when facing his fears and frustrations.

This also includes couple therapy in the psychoanalytic approach. Being as sensitive as any other group, a couple can have their love and relationship problems solved over time.

Adaptability and applicability of psychoanalytic therapy

It is important to open a parenthesis regarding the use of Psychoanalysis at any stage and moment of your life. But the sooner you start your visits, the sooner you will feel better and revitalized. .

Read Also: How Psychoanalysis Helps with Bipolar Disorder

For whom can therapy be useful?

Many wonder to whom the psychoanalytic therapy However, the adaptability and applicability of psychoanalytic therapy makes it viable for individuals who understand the process, such as

Families

Families or just a few members need special attention. The best thing about family therapy is that the members present can see how they impact on each other's lives. Consequently, not only does their relationship improve, but everything else benefits in turn.

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Romantically attached or single people

Relationships with two or more people need outside assistance at some point. Not always are the connected parties able to deal with the problems involved. The intervention of a psychoanalyst can be very helpful in revitalizing the relationship and redirecting it .

Children

The little ones also need to be assisted, since they are in a constant phase of development. Otherwise, they can have this process interrupted and do themselves a lot of harm. Going to a therapist to follow their development should be considered as an aid in their education.

Benefits

The benefits of psychoanalytic therapy can be felt in various areas of life, for example:

Personal life

Your personal life is the main field of work in a Psychoanalysis session. Imagine the chance to work on your personal problems and traumas in a constructive way. Such openness indicates more control of your emotions, more proactive behavior, and productive reactions to external stimuli .

Professional

Therapy or especially a complete training in Psychoanalysis adds a lot to your profession. This means that your activities at work will be improved and you will have more recognition in your field. Also, you will have more sensitivity about your efforts and those of your partners in the profession.

Potential

Besides your contact with others, you also need to revisit and improve yourself. With Psychoanalysis sessions, you can improve your self-knowledge, your potential and your qualities. In short, you will learn to be a better version of yourself and start to take control of your life.

See_also: The Mirror Stage: learn about this theory by Lacan

Final considerations on psychoanalytic therapy

Psychoanalytic theory involves approaching personal problems from the patient's point of view Even if this may seem limiting to the therapist, it is precisely in this way that the patient's well-being will be achieved. It is the patient who will deliver the objects that the therapist needs to find the cure.

We advise you to embrace the process as much as possible, avoiding resistance. We know how uncomfortable it can be to expose yourself in front of someone, but at all times you are protected. It is a partnership work in which you are the main beneficiary.

If you want to understand better how psychoanalytic therapy online is built, enroll in our Psychoanalysis distance learning course. Through it you will access lines of progress in psychoanalytic therapy pdf in your studies and feed your self-knowledge. Understanding how psychoanalytic therapy is constructed up close can bring about great transformations .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.