Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

What's the Difference between Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis, unlike other kinds of therapy, emphasizes open-ended exploration and long-term understanding. Goals and therapeutic interventions can shift through the process and over time as we work together, but we remain committed to understanding ourselves better by paying attention not just to the things we say but also to what we don't say.

 

Psychoanalysis can feel less directive than other therapies at times because it focuses on all aspects of the individual; we pay close attention to recurring emotional themes, patterns in relationships and the internal conflicts as well as psychological defenses that shape experience. These may be factors that play a role in ongoing problems or they may be areas of strength for the individual that we can hone and nurture. Additionally, it's my opinion that therapy tends to work better when it focuses on the here and now, creating flexibility and an ability to integrate the present moment with the background of past experiences rather than following a set agenda.

 

Early developmental experiences and their ongoing influence are explored, along with the personal meanings attached to symptoms and behaviors. Rather than focusing on techniques or strategies alone, psychoanalysis aims to deepen self-understanding and expand emotional flexibility, supporting forms of psychological change that are more enduring and integrated over time.

Why Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis can be a big committment, so why do it when there are other effective forms of therapy? Often the complaint is that other forms of therapy either did not help, or the help was not sustained. Psychoanalysis aims for long lasting change that allows the individual to face future challenges with a better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. By focusing on understanding the unconscious emotional patterns that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others, psychoanalysis can help an individual detect problem areas in their life and become better equipped to find new perspectives and solutions to those problems.

psychoanalytic couch

How do I Know if Psychoanalysis is Right or Helpful for Me?

Individuals who may not find a good fit in other therapies may find a better fit in psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic informed therapy.

 

Psychoanalysis is not the best fit for everyone and it is not the right answer all the time. There are times when the problems we seek help for are better suited for other modalities of therapy or medications. Additionally, the committment of finances and time may be a barrier for some people at different times of their lives.

 

It is typically best for us to start with an evaluation that can last several sessions in order for us to see if we have a good fit. The evaluation period can give you a feel for the kind of valuable therapeutic work and change that can occur in such a treatment as each person takes different things away from the treatment based on their individual personality, history and yes, their analyst.

Practical Considerations for Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis typically involves more frequent sessions than sandard psychotherapy, often multiple times per week. This frequency supports depth, continuity, and the development of a meaningful therapeutic process.

 

Despite how it is portrayed in the media, psychoanalysis may not always involve lying down on a couch or a silent psychoanalyst sitting in the corner. People approach psychoanalysis in many different formats including conducting analysis on the phone, on video, sitting up, lying down, in play or in art.

An initial consultation helps determine whether psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, medication or a combination of approaches is most appropriate. Treatment recommendations are made collaboratively, based on your goals, needs, circumstances and what research shows as effective.