When Is Psychoanalysis the Most Effective?

Psychoanalysis, also called psycho dynamic therapy, is one of the oldest forms of treatment for mental health problems. Though its reputation has been plagued by a lack of clinical evidence to support it's efficacy, anecdotal evidence is strong from those who have benefited from it. It is reported to be helpful with problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, problems in personal or professional development, anger management and creative blocks.

The Ideal Candidate

• A person who is ready to commit to the often life-changing experience of psychoanalysis must be willing to devote the time, energy, and emotional commitment to seeing the program through. Even if that person appears to be well and functioning on the outside, they may be struggling with long term issues on the inside that is impeding his or her quality of life. Although we have come to think of "working" on oneself in a pejorative, self indulgent way, it must be noted that psychoanalysis is hard work. It can bring up unpleasant feelings and memories that must be discussed to be resolved, and so therefore the ideal candidate should be a "sturdy individual", according to The Psychoanalytic Institute affiliated with New York University.

Not Ready Yet

• One vital element of successful psychoanalysis is vital is the willingness to experience often painful memories or current events -- and to make links between them to bring about resolution. There is much emphasis put on the "therapeutic relationship" between the therapist and the client, so those ready to commit to this treatment might have to shop around to find a therapist they feel they have a rapport with. Though there are no scientific papers on the effects of self medication such as drink and drug misuse in psychoanalysis, it is safe to assume that any chemical that suppresses painful emotions will have a negative impact on psychoanalysis. Those with a drink or drug problem might need to tackle the addictions before exploring the possible causes.

What You Talk About

• What you discuss during a session of psychoanalysis is up to you, but the topics generally fall into three main categories. These are:

  1) What is going on in your life right now and how you contribute to what is wrong or right in your life

  2) What has gone on in the past

  3) How the past can affect how you are feeling and behaving right now

  The connections may not be obvious to you, but the therapist can draw attention to how your past experience and beliefs influence your current behavior. The theory is that once you understand these connections, you can focus more on the here and now, rather than whatever happened in the past.

Why Psychoanalysis Instead of Other Talking Treatments?

• Shorter term talking treatments have become very popular over the last thirty years, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) which helps the client change destructive thought or behavioral patterns by examining the link between thoughts, feelings and behavior. Though there is a large volume of peer reviewed evidence for this type of treatment, which can be as short as six sessions, traditional psychoanalysts feel this type of treatment does not address the root of the problem. So, another ideal candidate for psychoanalysis is one who has tried shorter talking treatments, such as CBT with no lasting results. According to the American Psychoanalytic Association, "Psychoanalysis is often indicated when other less intensive therapies have failed to achieve the desired results."