Psychoanalysis (or, "analysis") is a psychotherapeutic process that takes place in 50-minute sessions, 4-5 times a week, over the course of years. This process occurs in the context of a relationship between a psychoanalyst and a patient. Intimate and continuous, psychoanalysis enables a patient and their analyst to come to know the mind of the patient as fully as possible.
As patients develop the capacity to work with the complexities of their mind, they may experience a greater capacity for self-awareness, as well as for relationship with themselves and with other people. They may find themselves substantially better able to choose and direct how they shape their lives. Troublesome symptoms may abate as their inner causes and dynamics become better understood. Through mutual listening, truth-telling, openness, observation, and reflection, psychoanalysis can help improve people’s lives. Life can become more bearable - or perhaps more meaningful - than it might be otherwise.
Psychoanalysis works differently than other treatment modalities. While it makes use of conscious thoughts and behavior, the process also goes beyond the surface. Patients may feel supported by the treatment; as growth and development occur, patients may also feel challenged or frustrated by the experience as well. Psychoanalysis can provide relief where other approaches, however well-intended or expertly applied, might not suffice, or whose effects might not endure. Psychoanalylsis helps patients achieve lasting change.
An analysis can help treat many conditions; most of all, it has deep reverence and respect for the human condition. Without blame, shame, judgement, or demand for change, it allows people to be who they are and to find their way toward who they might want to be - in their better moments, and at their best.
As patients develop the capacity to work with the complexities of their mind, they may experience a greater capacity for self-awareness, as well as for relationship with themselves and with other people. They may find themselves substantially better able to choose and direct how they shape their lives. Troublesome symptoms may abate as their inner causes and dynamics become better understood. Through mutual listening, truth-telling, openness, observation, and reflection, psychoanalysis can help improve people’s lives. Life can become more bearable - or perhaps more meaningful - than it might be otherwise.
Psychoanalysis works differently than other treatment modalities. While it makes use of conscious thoughts and behavior, the process also goes beyond the surface. Patients may feel supported by the treatment; as growth and development occur, patients may also feel challenged or frustrated by the experience as well. Psychoanalysis can provide relief where other approaches, however well-intended or expertly applied, might not suffice, or whose effects might not endure. Psychoanalylsis helps patients achieve lasting change.
An analysis can help treat many conditions; most of all, it has deep reverence and respect for the human condition. Without blame, shame, judgement, or demand for change, it allows people to be who they are and to find their way toward who they might want to be - in their better moments, and at their best.