Understanding the definition of psychoanalysis is important, especially if you plan on getting therapy. With such knowledge you can determine what type of help you need.

So, what exactly defines psychoanalysis, and how does it differ from psychology or psychiatry? Basically, psychoanalysis treats emotional problems by delving into the subconscious mind. Psychology, on the other hand, treats emotional problems through the conscious mind. Psychiatry does the same, though it may also use drugs if the psychiatrist thinks the patient is suffering from a chemical imbalance. There is also a difference in the theories used. Psychology and psychiatry are based off of science, while psychoanalysis is based off of Freudian thought. This is especially the case with the Freudian ideal that says psychological problems are a result of a conflict between the conscious and subconscious mind. If you cure the subconscious mind, you eliminate the problem.

Of course, it’s not always easy analyzing one’s subconscious, especially since most of us aren’t even aware of what’s going on there. That’s why a psychoanalyst uses hypnosis and dream recall to help find out what an individual is really thinking.

Psychoanalysis may also rely on talking, though the conversations are different from those given by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Instead of using talk to solve a specific problem, a psychoanalyst tries to get the patient to understand what they are thinking. This is done through a brainstorming session, where a patient verbalizes any thought that comes into their head.

Finally, there is a difference in how long treatment is given. Psychologists or psychiatrists might see you once a month; traditional psychoanalysts would see you 5 days out of the week. However, the keyword here is “traditional.” If you don’t mind non-conventional psychoanalysis treatment, you could consider psychodynamic psychotherapy. With this type of therapy, the sessions are shorter and there is more focus on solving whatever problem is at hand.

In conclusion, psychoanalysis is an excellent choice for those that are trying to understand the crux of their emotional problems. It does require a time commitment, but for many such a commitment is worth the end result: understanding who and what you truly are.