Psychoanalytic therapy

Introduction
Psychoanalytic therapy is a form of talking therapy based on the theories of Sigmund Freud.
Considered one of the forefathers of psychology, Freud is the founder of psychoanalysis. The
approach explores how the unconscious mind influences thoughts and behaviours, with the
aim of offering insight and resolution to the person seeking therapy.
Psychoanalytic therapy typically looks at the client’s experiences of early childhood, to see if
any events have had particular impact on their live, or contributed in some way to current
concerns. This form of therapy is considered a long-term choice, and sessions can continue
for weeks, months or even years, depending on the depth of the concern being explored.

The history of psychoanalysis

As mentioned above, the theories behind psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy come
from the work of Sigmund Freud. It was during the late 1800s that Freud began studying with
Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, a neurologist who used hypnosis to treat women suffering from
what at the time was called ‘hysteria’. Charcot found that by talking to his patients about the
traumatic experiences, their symptoms lessened.
Freud continued his work, developing his own method of talk therapy and establishing
therapeutic techniques that are still used today, including free association, dream analysis and
transference. While some of Freud’s theories have come under scrutiny since, much of his
work remains influential in the world of psychotherapy.

How does psychoanalytic therapy work? 

Psychoanalytic therapy is insight driven, and therefore looks to foster change by helping you
understand your past and how events from your early life could be affecting you now.
Sessions will vary according to why you are seeking therapy, and where you are in the
therapy journey, but much of the time will be spent talking freely to your therapist in a safe,
non-judgemental environment.
"In psychodynamic counselling and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, it is not assumed that
patients always consciously seek out things that are bad for them, but rather that we don’t
always understand the less rational, or unconscious, parts of ourselves.
By looking for causative factors, it is common for patients to start to feel they have a better
understanding [of their condition] and to regain some control over their lives…"
The therapist will listen to your concerns and look out for patterns or certain events that may
hold significance. In this type of therapy, it is believed that our unconscious feelings and
certain childhood events play a key role in mental distress.
As well as listening to you talk about your experiences and your concerns, the therapist may
use other techniques to help you understand and identify potential causes for your concerns,
such as free association, therapeutic transference and interpretation.
Free association
Free association involves you talking about whatever comes into your mind without
censoring or editing the flow of memories or ideas. Your therapist will encourage you to
speak freely to help you return to an earlier emotional state, so they can better understand any
recurrent patterns of conflict you may be experiencing.
Therapeutic transference
Transference relates to the way you may be transferring thoughts or feelings connected to
influential figures in your life (for example your parents or siblings) onto your therapist.
While this may not happen in every case, if it does, your therapist should discuss transference
with you to help you gain further insight into the way you deal with people in your daily life.
Interpretation
A key element of psychoanalytic therapy is interpreting and 'reading between the lines'.
While your therapist is likely to stay relatively quiet and allow you to talk freely, they will
occasionally interject with thoughts or interpretations of the topics you discuss. They may
also ask you about your dreams; Freud wrote a lot on the subject of dream analysis and
believed that dreams were important resources for understanding the unconscious.

Applications of psychoanalytic therapy

Psychoanalytic therapy can be used by those with a specific emotional concern, as well as
those who simply want to explore themselves. Understanding why we are the way we are,
often brings with it a sense of well-being and a strong sense of self. As psychoanalytic
therapy is considered one of the more long-term therapy types, it is perhaps less useful for
those seeking quick, solution-focused therapies. Psychoanalytic therapy is a gradual process
that takes time, yet the results are said to be life changing.
Some believe that due to the nature of therapy, psychoanalytic work is better suited to more
general concerns such as anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual issues or low self-
esteem. Phobias, social shyness and difficulties sleeping are further examples of areas that
may be effectively managed with the help of psychoanalytic therapy.
Psychoanalytic therapy can also be applied in a group setting. This is called group analysis.
This form of therapy brings together psychoanalytic techniques with interpersonal functions.
You may not know what type of therapy is best for you. It takes time and research, and what
works for one person, may not work for someone else. You can learn more about the different
types of therapy through reading, sharing experiences with others, or by talking to your
doctor or counsellor.
When searching for a counsellor, be sure to ask questions. If they work to a certain
therapeutic technique, they can explain this to you, including the process behind the therapy
and its benefits. You may have an initial consultation, where after you have discussed your
concerns and why you are seeking therapy, the therapy may suggest a different approach.
Remember that it takes time. If one type of therapy doesn’t work for you, speak to your
counsellor or therapist and together, you can come up with a solution.
 Group therapy
Introduction
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more mental health
practitioners who deliver psychotherapy to several individuals in each session.
Group therapy can reduce wait times and give more people access to mental healthcare.
Some people attend individual therapy sessions in addition to group therapy, while others
only use group therapy.
Who is it for?
Any one can attend a group therapy session. However, group therapy can be especially
helpful for people with limited access to mental healthcare, such as those living in rural or
low income areas where healthcare clinics are understaffed or scarce.
One of the goals of group therapy is to bring people who share similar experiences together.
Group therapy usually focuses on a specific mental health concern, such as social
anxiety or depression. Some other examples of conditions a group may focus on include:
 generalized anxiety disorder
 post-traumatic stress disorder
 panic disorder
 phobias
 depression
 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
 substance use disorder
Group therapy can also help people with:
 grief
 obesity
 chronic pain
 weight loss
 anger management
 domestic violence
 cultural trauma
How it works
In his book The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin D. Yalom outlines 11
principles of group therapy, which he refers to as “the 11 primary factors.”
The following sections of this article will outline these 11 principles from the book.
Instillation of hope
Therapists can instill hope in group members by acknowledging when current and former
members progress toward their goals.
Groups usually consist of people at different stages of treatment.
According to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, watching people who are
currently experiencing or recovering from a similar problem gives other group members hope
that they will also have positive treatment outcomes.
Universality
Group therapy brings people who have similar experiences together.
Meeting other people recovering from or working through similar issues helps people realize
that they are not alone, according to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
The book also states that understanding the universality of their experiences can help people
overcome physical and emotional isolation.
Imparting information
Group members and therapists can help each other by sharing information and offering
advice.
Altruism
Group members can support, reassure, and help each other improve throughout the treatment.
According to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, this helps improve their self-
esteem and confidence.
The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group
The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy states that therapy groups often resemble
family groups, with one or two parental authority figures and some peer siblings.
Within group therapy sessions, people can confront their early childhood experiences and
dynamics with these “parents and siblings.”
They can learn how these early experiences shaped their personality and identify which
behaviors and beliefs are unhelpful or destructive in their lives.
Development of socializing techniques
According to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, group members can give and
receive corrective feedback that can help them engage in social interactions outside the
group.Imitative behavior
Members of the group may imitate the behaviors they observe in more senior members or
therapists.
As a result, group members can gain a better understanding of themselves, according to The
Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
Interpersonal learning
The therapy group reflects the individual’s social universe, according to The Theory and
Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
Through feedback and self-observation, group members can gain awareness of the strengths
and limitations of their interpersonal behavior.

Group cohesiveness
As part of a group with a common goal, members can gain a sense of belonging, according
to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
The author says that members may feel more comfortable opening up to the group as a result.
They may also be more willing to implement the behavioral changes they learn as part of the
treatment.
Catharsis
Sharing their feelings, experiences, and pain with a group can help people release anger and
pent up emotions.
According to The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, this process can lead to
sudden insights that shift the ways in which people perceive and respond to life.
Existential factors
Group therapy sessions provide space and time for people to explore uncomfortable
existential factors, such as loss and death, according to The Theory and Practice of Group
Psychotherapy.
Group members can also develop a stronger sense of self-reliance by learning to understand
that they are ultimately in control of their behaviors, actions, and choices.