What is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a talking therapy that understands that early experiences in infancy and childhood shape our internal worlds and the way that we relate to others. It seeks to explore the patterns that form an individual’s experience of and way of relating to oneself and which sometimes get stuck or cause that person problems. These can then be worked through to unravel this stuckness, come to be more aware of it and increase the persons capacity to live more freely. A successful analysis does not lead to immunity from life’s difficulties, but it does help us find balance, satisfaction and robustness in the face of adversity.

what does psychoanalysis look like?

Psychoanalysis involves coming to sessions which last 50 minutes four or five times a week where you speak about your relationships, experiences, thoughts and feelings with an analyst. It is usually involves lying on the couch to facilitate a free flow of thoughts and feelings. The length of an analysis varies, but it would normally be a process that happens over years, not months. The process begins with a consultation to explore what the individual is struggling with and consider if psychoanalysis is right for them.

what should i expect to pay?

A psychoanalysis is a big commitment and an investment of time and money. Fees have some flexibility, and it is common for psychoanalysts to take into consideration the different financial resources of patients. The fee is generally discussed and agreed upon as part of the consultation.

who can provide psychoanalysis?

A psychoanalysis is generally only to be found with a properly qualified psychoanalyst trained with either of the two main societies, recognised by the International Psychoanalytic Association in the UK, The British Psychoanalytical Society and the British Psychoanalytic Association. All psychoanalysts are registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council, the regulatory body for psychoanalytic psychotherapists recognised by the Professional Standards Authority.