Psychoanalysis

Why do some patterns run so deep?

We can understand a great deal about ourselves and still find that certain patterns are remarkably difficult to change. The same conflicts may appear in different relationships, the same fears may return, or we may find ourselves responding in ways that seem out of proportion to what is happening in the moment.

Psychoanalysis offers an opportunity to explore these patterns with greater depth and continuity. Meeting several times a week allows thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, and reactions to emerge in ways that may be harder to reach in less frequent therapy. Over time, connections can become clearer between what is happening now, earlier experiences, and patterns that have developed outside of awareness.

The aim is not simply to gain insight. It is to develop a deeper understanding of yourself that can gradually change how you experience yourself, your relationships, and the choices available to you.

What Is It Like To Be In Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis usually involves meeting several times a week. The greater frequency creates a different kind of continuity than is possible in once-weekly therapy. There is more opportunity to follow thoughts and feelings as they develop, rather than having to wait a week and try to reconstruct them.

You are encouraged to speak as freely as you can about whatever comes to mind. This might include things that happened during the week, memories, dreams, fantasies, reactions to other people, or thoughts that seem unimportant, uncomfortable, or difficult to explain. There is no particular subject you are supposed to talk about.

I listen closely and think with you about what begins to emerge over time. We may notice recurring themes, contradictions, or ways of relating that have been difficult to recognize before. What happens between us can also become part of the work, offering an opportunity to understand patterns as they occur rather than only talking about them afterward.

What About the Couch?

The couch is traditionally associated with psychoanalysis, but its purpose is quite practical. Not having to look directly at another person can sometimes make it easier to let your attention wander and to say things without immediately monitoring the other person's reaction. This can create more room for thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations to emerge.

I generally encourage people in psychoanalysis to try using the couch. Some find it freeing quite quickly, while for others it initially feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. The couch is not required, and we can talk together about what the experience is like for you and what feels most useful for the work.

Is Psychoanalysis Right for Me?

Psychoanalysis may be especially helpful for people who find themselves returning to the same emotional or relationship difficulties despite having thought about them a great deal. You may be functioning well in many parts of your life while still feeling that something important remains unresolved or that familiar patterns continue to limit you.

Analysis asks for a substantial commitment of time and attention. It tends to be most useful for people who are curious about themselves and interested in understanding their inner lives in considerable depth. You do not need to know in advance exactly what you want to discover or change. Part of the work is finding that out together.

Whether psychoanalysis is the right approach is something we can consider together. Sometimes psychodynamic psychotherapy is a better fit; for others, the greater frequency and depth of psychoanalysis offers something they have been looking for.

Getting Started

If you are considering psychoanalysis, we can begin with an initial consultation. This gives us a chance to talk about what brings you in, what you are hoping for, and whether psychoanalysis or psychodynamic psychotherapy seems like the better fit.