Psychoanalysis is a depth-oriented approach to understanding the human mind and helping people work through emotional and psychological difficulties.

At its core, it’s based on the idea that much of our experience — thoughts, feelings, behaviors — is shaped by unconscious processes. These unconscious influences often come from early life experiences, relationships, and unresolved inner conflicts.

In practice, psychoanalysis usually involves:

• Regular, ongoing sessions in which you speak freely about whatever comes to mind — thoughts, dreams, memories, feelings.
• Exploring the unconscious, often through patterns that emerge in the therapy relationship, dreams, slips of the tongue, or recurring life themes.
• Making the unconscious conscious so you can understand yourself more fully, integrate hidden parts of your personality, and find greater freedom in how you live.

Unlike short-term, goal-focused therapies, psychoanalysis is a long-term, deep exploration. It doesn’t just aim to fix a symptom — it’s about discovering the deeper meaning behind it, and transforming your relationship with yourself and others.