Psychoanalysis

These unconscious ways of thinking and feeling, which link together in circuitous ways influence our behavior as well as our perception of ourselves and others. It is not just our life experiences that shape us. Even more importantly it is our current style of thinking that influences how we act and the decisions we make.

With the help of the analyst, the person engaging in psychoanalysis begins to hear the repetition of certain themes but especially certain ways of thinking. The analyst attempts to link certain thoughts and feelings, often in the process evoking new insight and therefore new possibilities for change. When successful, psychoanalytic treatment impacts the individual personally, socially and professionally not just through insight but through the development of new and creative ways of thinking.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis ranges in frequency from 2-5 times weekly. The use of the couch is encouraged in order to allow the analyst and patient to develop a collaborative thinking space in which new thoughts may emerge. Dreams, humor and one's own idiosyncratic use and understanding of language play their parts in the drama of self-understanding and thus are considered important areas of exploration.