What to expect from psychoanalytic psychotherapy ?
The process
When you first start therapy, you'll want to share the reasons why you're seeking help. These could be specific past or present problems, or more general feelings like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Try to be as open and honest as possible from the beginning. The therapist will listen attentively and may ask clarifying questions, understanding that it can be difficult to talk to someone new. This initial phase may take a few sessions.
Early on, you'll be encouraged to speak freely without censoring your thoughts or rehearsing what you want to say. While your initial concerns are important, the therapist will encourage you to explore your thoughts and feelings more broadly. This is called "free association," a key part of the therapeutic process. It takes time to get used to, and the therapist will help you relax and speak openly as thoughts come to mind. This is why therapy is sometimes called the "talking cure."
If you decide to continue with therapy, you'll schedule regular sessions, usually once or more times per week. You'll typically pay for sessions in advance or at the beginning of each session, with exceptions for missed sessions with proper notice. This ensures a professional and mutually respectful relationship.
In addition to free association, you'll be asked to pay attention to your dreams, as they offer insights into your deeper thoughts. Daydreams, fantasies, and even everyday slips of the tongue or lapses in behaviour can also be valuable. Don't hesitate to share anything that comes to mind, no matter how trivial it may seem. You can also jot down thoughts or observations between sessions.
Free association will involve exploring different aspects of your life, including:
Past experiences: Childhood memories, relationships with family members, and school experiences.
Current life: Your current relationships, work, and daily life.
Your feelings about therapy itself: Your thoughts and feelings about the therapist and the therapy sessions, which is referred to as "transference..