What is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy which is based on the structure of human consciousness and the development of the human mind. In psychoanalytical treatment the person observes in a secure relationship together with the psychoanalyst what goes on in his/her mind, also ideas and thoughts concerning the analyst, and tells the psychoanalyst about them as openly and truthfully as possible.

The aim is to increase the patient's understanding of him-/herself and thus lead to greater psychic integration and help the patient to overcome the conscious and unconscious obstacles preventing him/her from feeling well.

The psychoanalytic treatment, psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, aims at permanent change. It is compact and long-term and usually takes several years to complete. The usual frequency of sessions is four times a week in psychoanalysis and 1-3 times a week in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Psychoanalysis is based on interaction and mutuality and the patient's own personal psychic work is essential.

In psychoanalysis with children and adolescents the aim of the treatment is to remove the internal developmental obstacles and help the child or adolescent to find and use his/her personal strengths.