At NIPS we are fully aware of the possible confusion that can exist in peoples minds about the differing forms of treatment available for mental health problems be they drug therapy or talking therapy, or indeed the difference between practicing professionals in this field be they psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists or psychoanalysts.
As a result our Association feels it is essential to provide the very best up to date information to those persons thinking of seeking psychoanalytic based forms of treatment.
To this end we can do no better than refer you to the excellent material on this issue at the British Psychoanalytic Council website that deals with this important question. You can follow the link here.
In particular we would draw your attention to Jane Milton’s very good overview of the question in her booklet ‘Making Sense of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis’ at the bottom of BPC web page which is available as a pdf file here.
Clinical Services
The Association offers several forms of clinical service through its Members. These include, firstly, psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and secondly psychoanalytically informed Clinical Consultancy services.
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
NIASP 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 psychoanalytical therapy
There is a growing evidence base for the effectiveness of Psychoanalytic therapies and NIASP 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.