Psychoanalysis is a method of getting to know a person and treating mental disorders, initiated at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by Sigmund Freud. It is based on the assumption that mental problems have their source in early childhood experiences and unconscious conflicts. It is used m.in. in the case of personality disorders, neuroses and depression.
What is psychoanalysis?
In psychoanalysis, an important role is played by the unconscious – the area of the psyche in which repressed memories, drives, feelings and thoughts are stored. These are contents that are not accepted by the mind, which would be difficult and painful to consciously consider. Although we do not have direct access to them, they strongly affect our well-being and functioning.
Healing internal conflicts and mental disorders requires reaching the unconscious. This is possible m.in. by:
- dream analysis – called the “royal road” to unconscious desires,
- free associations – the patient saying aloud everything that comes to mind helps to reveal hidden mental connections,
- transference – means unconsciously transferring feelings and attitudes related to parents or other important people from the past to the therapist.
How long does psychoanalytic therapy last and when is it used?
Therapy using psychoanalysis is a long-term process. It usually lasts for several years, and meetings are held once or several times a week.
Psychoanalysis can help people who:
- struggle with neurosis, anxiety or emotional disorders,
- have personality disorders,
- they want to better understand themselves, their emotions and the unconscious mechanisms that influence their own behavior,
- have problems in interpersonal relationships,
- have experienced difficult or traumatic events, especially in childhood,
- want to work on personal development.