Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is an intensive and in-depth therapy method that is suitable for patients who want not only to deal with emotional symptoms but also explore their minds in-depth, expand their self-awareness and acquaint themselves with unconscious areas of their psyche. Psychoanalytic therapy attempts to access the root of difficulties rather than looking at surface manifestations alone.

In psychoanalysis, the frequency of sessions is usually high, and is based on three to four weekly sessions. The high frequency of encounters stems from the perception that the intensity allows the psychoanalyst to access deep and unconscious mental layers. This frequent contact with a psychoanalyst allows the patient to feel safe, to let go of mental defenses and to dedicate oneself to the therapeutic process in a way that allows entry into the mental layers that usually remain inaccessible. The highly individualized nature of the therapy helps individuals in understanding their emotional life.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytic psychotherapy involves once or twice weekly sessions and focuses on increasing self-understanding and deepening insight into emotional issues and conflicts which underlie the presenting difficulties. The process entails the exploration of thoughts and feelings (both conscious and unconscious). Through the therapeutic relationship old patterns that caused distress and suffering can come to light and be gradually transformed.

My Approach: My approach to therapy is based on a psychoanalytic understanding that our patterns of experiencing the world often stubbornly persist, leading to emotional, functional or relationship difficulties. It is also based on the view that each person’s experience will be unique, and no two people share the same disposition or, indeed, the same symptom. In therapy the patient and I work very closely to identify particular constraints of patterns and habits, to enhance self-awareness, independent thinking, and emotional development. The therapy approach and length is carefully tailored around the needs and dynamics of each person.

My academic training incorporates specialized knowledge and experience in working with patients grappling with a broad spectrum of emotional difficulties, inclusive of, but not limited to: