What Is Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy?

Introduction. Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

The first method of psychotherapy that focused on unconscious conflicts and motivations was Freudian psychoanalysis. Today psychologists barely practice classical Freudian psychoanalysis. In the past hundred years the therapeutic techniques based on psychoanalysis evolved. Psychotherapy practitioners categorize techniques derived from psychoanalysis as “Psychoanalytical Therapy,” “Psychodynamic Therapy,” or “In-depth Psychotherapy.”  On the other spectrum stands the behavioral psychotherapy.

Psychoanalysis versus psychoanalytical therapy

Although rooted in the discoveries of Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytical techniques have evolved significantly. In classical psychoanalysis, the therapist was invisible to the patient as he sat behind the patient’s head and only occasionally made comments. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy underwent an adjustment where the therapist became more actively involved with the patient. C.G. Jung implemented the first significant modification of psychoanalysis by abandoning the use of the sofa and placing the patients in a position of “equality” with the therapist. Here the patient and therapist sit next to each other and see each other. The modification introduced by Jung became a standard used by several variations of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

The other difference of today’s psychoanalytical therapy is lower frequency of the sessions compared to the original psychoanalysis. Freud saw his patients 5 to 6 times per week. Today the frequency has been reduced to once per week or even less. The difference between psychoanalysis and psychoanalytical psychotherapy is not only the frequency of sessions, but also the depth of work in relation to unconscious dynamics, transference, and countertransference.

Psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Approaches

The analytical treatment process is the most comprehensive form of psychotherapy. It often requires a few years of treatment. Psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to influence the deeper layers of patient’s personality. On average psychoanalytical psychotherapy lasts longer than cognitive behaviour therapy. The scope of analytical psychotherapy is to raise patients’ awareness of their inner world, which influences their insight of their past and present relationships and helps them understand and resolve their problems. Unlike other therapies, it approaches deep-seated change in personality and in emotional development. The investment of time, money, and emotional energy can produce significant rewards in terms of improved relationships, creativity, professional and social progress.

Psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Scopes

Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides an effective treatment for a range of psychological disorders and can contribute significantly to patients’ mental and physical health, sense of well-being, and ability to manage their lives more effectively. It can help people with serious psychological disorders, as well as those seeking a greater sense of fulfilment. However, whether it is the treatment of choice for a particular individual depends on a variety of factors. It is often helpful to have one or more preliminary consultations with an experienced psychotherapist before deciding whether psychoanalytic psychotherapy is appropriate.

The psychotherapist in the analytical process

The relationship with the therapist is a crucial element in the therapy. The therapist offers a confidential and private setting that facilitates a process where unconscious patterns of the patient’s inner world become reflected in the patient’s relationship with the therapist. This process helps patients gradually identify these patterns and, after becoming conscious of them, to develop the capacity to understand and to implement the changes.

The research on psychodynamic psychotherapy

There is a growing research and evidence base for psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which is aimed at the general reader, clinician, commissioner, academic, and policy maker.

Conclusion

Today, the classical Freudian psychoanalysis with the patient lying on a sofa and the therapist out of sight, sitting behind the analyst, is rarely practiced. The frequency of psychoanalytical treatment sessions is lower than in the classical Freudian psychoanalysis.

The psychoanalytical psychotherapy is a valuable treatment option for those experiencing psychological disorders or seeking greater fulfilment. It aims for deep-seated change in personality and emotional development, and it involves a deep-rooted relationship with the therapist.