Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy are effective treatments for a range of emotional problems including depression, phobias, anxiety, trauma and obsessions. Those who experience difficulties in relationships, who find it hard to adjust to loss or life changes, who feel they are not fulfilling their full potential, or struggle with a loss of meaning in their lives, may also benefit. This list of symptoms is not definitive but rather is a guide of the type of emotional difficulties that can usually helped by psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a reflective process in which the psychoanalyst or psychotherapist aims to assist the individual by exploring unconscious processes in order to increase self-awareness and understanding of the individual’s inner world and it’s impact on past and present relationships.

Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy involves a commitment to regular fifty-minute sessions over a considerable length of time. The treatment takes place in a safe and confidential atmosphere, is consistent and frequent and allows a deep and supported exploration of problems within the relationship with the psychoanalyst or psychotherapist. Through talking and linking associated thoughts and behavioural patterns, the individual is helped to understand current problems. Symptoms may be reduced and distress alleviated when the treatment leads to a better understanding of the complex and often unconsciously based emotional and relationship problems.

Clinical Consultancy Services

The Northern Ireland Psychoanalytic Society provides Clinical Consultancy services to a range of agencies and other groupings who seek a psychoanalytic perspective on current mental health problems experienced by children, adults and mental health teams.

Evidence base for psychoanalytic therapy

There is a growing evidence base for the effectiveness of Psychoanalytic therapies and the Northern Ireland Psychoanalytic Society recommend that you follow this link to the excellent site organised and run by the British Psychoanalytic Council. Here you will find a range or resources aimed at general readers, clinicians, academics and policy makers. This excellent site is updated on a regular basis.