Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis offers a profound journey of self-discovery through the exploration of the unconscious forces shaping our lives and relationships. Psychoanalysis intensifies the therapeutic process by utilizing multiple sessions per week, allowing for a deeper exploration of one’s hidden dimensions and facilitating breakthroughs in persistent areas of emotional struggle that have previously resisted change. Session frequency is something that is talked about and determined collaboratively with careful consideration of your psychological goals and life conditions.
In a traditional psychoanalysis a reclined position of the couch is still used to support the relaxed, internal state of mind that is conducive to free-association. However, for some individuals this arrangement feels overstimulating and, therefore, an impediment to such exploratory processing. In these situations, our work can be conducted in a normal seated position. Similar to session frequency, the use of the couch is something that can be discussed and considered together.
It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found.
– D.W. Winnicott
Finally, a recommendation for psychoanalysis can be surprising for some people who are under the impression that it is now considered “passe” or lacks an evidence base. In actuality, psychoanalysis has been and continues to be rigorously studied and empirically validated, as reflected in these research findings: Abbass et al (2013, 2014), Barlow & Bennett (2015), Driessen et al. (2015), Hayes et al. (2018), Keefe et al.(2014), Steinert et al. (2017).
To embark on psychoanalysis is to both risk and savor the experience of re-encountering one’s self and dynamically reshaping our sense of what is possible. Curious if this approach is right for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation to explore your options .