Psychoanalysis
Based on the theories of Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis works with memories, dreams and free associations to explore unconscious feelings and bring childhood experiences and their impact to the surface.
Psychoanalysis is long-term, lasting anywhere from several months to many years, often involving more than one session a week. Psychoanalysis uses the relationship between the analyst and ‘analysand’, or client, to examine client's emotional world and relationship patterns.
Freud believed that feelings deemed unacceptable are banished from consciousness through a process of repression. Psychoanalysis aims to air these repressed thoughts, which are believed to cause conflicts in the client, resulting in anxiety, depression and a troubled sense of self.
Psychoanalysis has developed and changed significantly since Freud’s time, and newer models of relational psychoanalysis, influenced by feminism and critical theory, have updated ways of thinking about gender, sexuality and social contexts.
Very many types of therapy are either informed by or were created in opposition to psychoanalysis, so the influence of this early talking therapy is enormous.
What can psychoanalysis help with?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Childhood difficulties
- Relationship difficulties
- Addiction
- Self-understanding
- Destructive behaviours
Who was Sigmund Freud?
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. The idea of the 'talking cure' was revolutionary and, even if in some ways we've moved well along from his theories, Freud's ideas have been incredibly formative and influential.
Freud was Jewish and worked in Vienna before fleeing to the UK during the Second World War. He died in London.
Some of Freud's key theories
- The Id, Ego and Superego
The Id is the most primitive part of our psyche, and the source of our most basic urges. It is largely unconscious.
The Ego is the 'manager' of sorts, helping meet the demands of the Id in a way that is socially acceptable and safe.
The Superego takes care of all the morals and beliefs that we hold ourselves to, largely taken in through interaction with our family and social environment.
- Defence mechanisms
Perhaps one of his most accepted theories in the mainstream, we have all heard of – and witnessed in action – defence mechanisms. Whether we think someone is 'in denial' or 'projecting' or 'deflecting', we are aware that all of us adopt different defence mechanisms to shield ourselves from certain, often unconscious, material.
- Dream analysis
Freud called dreams the 'royal road to the unconscious' and believed that their content was significant.
He also posited that dreams were both related to motivation and wish fulfilment, and also existed, in part, to help us stay asleep. These theories, which were radical at the time, are supported by some current neuroscientific research(1).
- Life instinct and death instinct
Freud posited that much human behaviour was driven by two distinct forces.
Life instincts are those that motivate us towards getting our basic needs (like food, shelter and sex) met.
Death instincts are those that drive self-destructive behaviours and reveal, or so Freud believed, that humans have an unconscious wish for death.
Training as a psychoanalyst
Training as a psychoanalyst is a lengthy process of several years, most often around four to five. This training process includes the trainee having psychoanalysis themselves and working with clients.
All therapists on Welldoing are verified annually as members of reputable professional associations to ensure a high standard of training.
References
(1) https://psychoanalysis.org.uk/articles/the-interpretation-of-dreams-and-the-neurosciences-mark-solms
Relevant organisations
Last updated October 2024
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Understanding childhood difficulties
Growing up with a narcissistic parent
The lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences
Understanding complex PTSD
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