Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic Treatment
Adult or Teen Treatment
All forms of psychotherapy – psychodynamic, (psychoanalysis), behavioural and cognitive have been shown to reduce distress and to promote physical and psychological wellbeing (Mumford, Schlesinger, & Glass, 1983; Sobel, 1995).
Psychodynamic treatment takes longer than other therapeutic methods such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical behavior therapy), (IPT) Interpersonal Therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), Exposure Therapy, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It is different than counselling or Life Coaching which tends to set goals and offer encouraging advice.
Psychoanalysis operates on the theory that the unconscious mind holds repressed thoughts and feelings that influence conscious behaviour and causes psychological suffering with the patient often defending confronting the painful repressed thoughts or memories. Through out the analysis the patient is encouraged to free associate, (i.e. say whatever comes to mind without censorship, allowing the unconscious to emerge more freely) – a difficult but key element in the therapy. With a strong therapeutic alliance the therapist’s own unconscious often comes into play as a counter transference (i.e. an unconscious reaction to the patient’s material or transference). Then after some time the analyst interprets the patient’s thoughts, feelings, dreams, and behavior to help them gain insight into the root causes of their distress – thereby strengthening their ego allowing for modified behaviour.
Those receiving psychoanalytic psychodynamic treatment are more likely to maintain therapeutic gains and appear to continue to improve after treatment ends (Shedler, 2010).
Psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are sometimes referred to as “talk therapy”.
For further information, see links below.
When is Psychoanalysis Indicated?
Scientific Evidence “Is Psychoanalysis Effective?
Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Troubles (Treatment via the parent)
Barbara Burrows works with parents to help them help their children with aggressive behaviour, sleeping troubles, anxiety, shyness, school phobias etc.
Self Assessment (Adult, Teens)
When is treatment warranted? This self-assessment survey offers a way of thinking about depression, aggression, anger and sexuality.
Self Assessment Survey
Psychoanalysis Psychodynamic Treatment – some examples
The Best Kept Psychotherapy Secrets – How to get help with today’s “problems of living” – by Bruce Levin MD
Howard Stern says psychoanalysis helped him! Psychology Today.
Swedish Singer/Pop Star Robyn (Robin Miriam Carlsson) discusses her experience in psychoanalysis – (NME New Musical Express – British music journalism website)
A Sample Psychoanalytic Session
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQZPd7e8lXw