What is psychoanalysis?

• in-depth psychotherapeutic technique
• 3 to 5 treatment sessions per week
• In treatment, current day conflicts and symptoms come to be understood in terms of their historical roots, and present anxieties are explored and understood as residues from the past.  Through the individual's intensive exploration of her/his personality and character development, a greater degree of self-realization and understanding can be achieved.
• Treatment is carried out by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other highly trained mental health professionals who have completed an accredited psychoanalytic training program.
• Psychoanalysis is an endeavor which aims to reduce suffering and mental anguish, achieve greater fulfillment and meaning in life, and ultimately, change one's psychological fate.

Facts about Psychoanalysis

• Psychoanalytic theory was developed by Sigmund Freud more than 120 years ago and has provided the foundation for multiple psychodynamic theories since that time.

• Although much has changed since Freud's pioneering work, his significant contributions to our understanding of human motivation and behavior has had a far-reaching impact on many disciplines, including science, history, religion, the arts, and indeed, all aspects of our culture.

What Kinds of Problems Bring Someone to Seek Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is generally recommended for those whose recurrent emotional and behavioral problems cause significant distress in their work and interpersonal relationships, compromising their ability to enjoy life fully.

Individuals seeking treatment may exhibit symptoms and feelings of:

• anxiety and/or depression
• inhibitions, including underachievement
• interpersonal conflicts at home, work, and play

The aim of in-depth psychoanalytic exploration of personality and character development is to help individuals to develop understanding of, and to gain relief from, painful emotional experiences and crippling anxieties.

Outcomes of psychoanalytic treatment include:

• improved personal relationships
• increased productivity
• development of better coping skills
• greater control in one's life

Children and adolescents can often benefit from psychoanalysis when environmental interventions and other treatments directed are unsuccessful in reaching internalized conflicts and reducing emotional distress.  Psychoanalysis is often the treatment of choice where early trauma and developmental issues impede optimal growth, creating stress in the home and community.

APSAA

TALKING POINTS ABOUT PSYCHOANALYSIS

A Psychoanalyst can help you...

1. Get relief from painful emotional symptoms.
2. Feel understood as a unique individual.
3. Achieve emotional freedom.
4. Improve your personal relationships.
5. Become more productive at work.
6. Take more pleasure from life.
7. Change lifelong ways of coping that just aren't working.
8. Understand feelings and behaviors that just don't make sense.
9. Gain greater control over your life.
10. Stop self-destructive patterns of behavior.
11. Understand yourself.
12. Prevent the past from interfering in the present.
13. Talk things over in a safe and private environment.
14. Unlock your creative potential. 

Developed by: Gail Saltz M.D.

Co-chair, Committee on Public Information