What is Psychoanalytic Therapy?
Psychoanalytic Therapy is a talk therapy that is rooted in the ideology that people are motivated by their unconscious biases, desires, emotions, and memories. You would be correct in hypothesizing that Psychoanalytic Therapy once again includes the main developer of some famous psychological theories, Sigmund Freud.
Sigmund Freud developed the famous theory of psychoanalysis, which psychoanalytic therapy is based on. Freud suggested that mental health concerns commonly arise due to the conflict between the conscious and unconscious beliefs that an individual has. The conflict often results in the mind making a ‘compromise’. Compromises can be showcased through the individual's defense mechanisms.
Defense mechanisms that an individual might have can often include behaviors such as;
- Denial
- Repression
- Projection
- Destructive thinking patterns
- Regression
- Rationalization
The goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to identify those destructive thought patterns and behaviors that are causing emotional distress. In today’s world, psychoanalytic therapists can help people uncover their unconscious feelings and memories by supporting them to identify negative thought behaviors as well as overcoming past traumas through the use of common psychological therapy techniques.
Once these unconscious thoughts have been identified, the therapist can work with the individual to interpret those insights. This supports both the client and the therapist in understanding the current difficulties and identifying possible routes for change.
Unfortunately, the move towards Psychoanalytic Therapy has slowed in recent years. There is a strong interest in the subject. However, only a small percentage of therapists in the United States of America engage in psychoanalysis as their primary delivery of mental health treatment (Good therapy, 2017).
Nevertheless, Psychoanalytic Therapy options for individuals interested in this kind of therapy style can be beneficial. However, it is important to note that this therapy style will only adhere to some clients.
