How to perform a psychoanalysis on a person – Step by step

Human beings can perform actions and mention words that do not correspond to previous thoughts they have had. For this reason, it is common to believe that a mistake has been made by saying one word instead of another.

While this might go unnoticed in other spaces of everyday life, in psychoanalysis attention is paid to people’s every movement, word, and action. The validity of this theoretical trend has led to the search for methodologies to put it into practice. In this sense, having concrete and interesting data about this topic can give you clarity when going to this type of therapy. If you are interested in knowing how it works, in this Psychology-Online article, we will explain how to do a psychoanalysis on a person.

What is psychoanalysis and what does it work on?

is a psychological therapy created by Sigmund Freud whose purpose is to analyze How the unconscious aspects of a person interfere with their life daily. In other words, psychoanalysis works with the non-conscious part of the human being.

The unconscious does not have a physical location in any sector of the body but is present in other ways. For this reason, psychoanalysts pay special attention to how it manifests through failed acts, lapses, jokes, symptoms and dreams. Thanks to the study of these phenomena and the exploration of the life sequences of each person, it is possible to remit symptoms of psychological disorders.

Reason for consultation

If you are wondering how psychoanalysis is performed, the first step of this therapy consists of investigate the causes that lead a person to go to a psychoanalyst. In general terms, initial interviews are carried out before both the patient and the professional make the decision to undertake treatment.

This previous time is usually a period for establish an agreement between both parties and to determine if the therapist-patient relationship is thriving. It should be noted that some reasons for consultation are not valid for certain professionals.

Establish first hypotheses

Once the treatment has started, it is necessary to make hypotheses linked to the patient’s reason for consultation. In order to achieve this, the collaboration of both parties is necessary, since there must be a good predisposition.

In this sense, to perform a psychoanalysis on a person, it is important that the patient explain everything that happens to them even though it may seem unimportant. As for the psychoanalyst, he must listen to you objectively, leaving out personal prejudices and own criteria.

Give feedback on the aspects to work on

Once the problem that the patient is suffering from is understood, when it comes to doing a good psychoanalysis it is essential that the therapist gives them a feedback the patient of the important points that must be worked on during therapy.

This process is done by explaining the functioning of the therapeutic process, as well as the possible approaches that can be given to the problem in question. In this sense, the therapy will be personalized and will vary depending on factors such as the reason for consultation, family history, personality, etc.

Start therapy

How is psychoanalysis performed? When the previous conditions have already been met to begin psychoanalytic treatment, it is possible to begin the therapeutic process itself. This implies that the patient must be open to collaborating and work on the unconscious aspects that the therapist indicates. In short, it is about the person feeling free to talk about any topic in their life and reflect on the aspects that the psychoanalyst proposes.

Determine the patient’s evolution

As psychoanalytic therapy progresses, one must point out progress that are being done during the sessions. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that each patient’s process is different and the therapy progresses depending on their personal characteristics.

For this reason, it is impossible to establish a specific period of treatment sessions. Furthermore, to ensure therapeutic success it should not be a variable that is taken into account, since this can cause contingencies that make the development of the process difficult. Despite this, it is expected that certain symptoms and inhibitions disappear as therapy progresses.

End therapy

When the person is able to face and carry out their daily life without discomfort, anguish and/or anger, it is possible to terminate psychoanalytic therapy. Generally, this point is reached when the patient has been able to achieve the established objectives at the beginning of treatment with psychoanalysis.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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Bibliography

  • Freud, S. (1912). Advice to the doctor about psychoanalytic treatment. Sigmund Freud Complete Works, volume XII. Buenos Aires: Amorrortu Editores.
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