Psychoanalysis is based on the premises that you are not aware of most of the factors that determine your emotions and behaviors. Because these factors are not in your awareness, “quick fixes” usually fall short of providing lasting relief. Psychoanalysis focuses on thoroughly exploring how your unconscious mind gets in the way of healthy relationships and affects your thinking, feelings and behaviors.
Through treatment, you come to recognize and trace patterns from early childhood experiences, and understand how they have developed. The process of therapy then assists you in understanding and coping with the realities of your current life in a better and more successful way. As therapy progresses, you begin to understand yourself better, both intellectually and emotionally. The goal is to permit enduring changes and foster personal growth.
I am a Senior Candidate in Psychoanalysis at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education, affiliated with New York University.