Psychoanalysis was developed in the early 20th century by Sigmund Freud. He revolutionized the way we understand human emotions and how to help people with psychological problems. He helped the world understand that we are only partially aware of what motivates our feelings, thoughts and actions. What is left out of our awareness is the pre-conscious and unconscious. These elements can facilitate difficulty in our lives. The result of unconscious troubles result in symptoms, for example; depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues. These symptoms can impact our interpersonal and intimate life, work, school and career and our capacity to enjoy and take pleasure out of our life.
The relationship between analyst and patient is crucial to the process and outcome of the treatment. The role of the analyst is to listen and take seriously whatever the patient shares. People are encouraged to say what is on their minds without censorship. This sets the tone for trust to develop and for the patient and analyst to explore feelings, conflicts, thoughts, relationships, past, present and future. Dreams and memories surface and this examination of one’s life leads to understanding, self-awareness, curiosity which can facilitate a change in thinking, attitudes and behavior patterns.
There is nothing more satisfying than to feel more integrated and aware. To have the capacity to regulate oneself emotionally, to learn how to identify an anticipated ‘difficult’ moment without fear, to feel comfortable with the expression of thought and feeling is transformative. The greatest gift of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy offers is knowing that you have the freedom to change, that it is possible and that change continues throughout life. It is an amazing and profoundly moving journey.
The learning never stops. There is always something new to look at, something old to revisit, new research, ideas. The human mind and our ways of thinking and relating are endlessly fascinating.
