Changing lives, by exploring thoughts and feelings.
Often referred to as ‘the talking cure’, psychoanalysis is the exploration of connections between the conscious and unconscious mind.
Psychoanalysts consult one-on-one, in private, helping their patients better understand themselves, in order to make meaningful long-term changes. These changes can result in patients finding greater authenticity, purpose, fulfillment and creativity in their day-to day-lives.
Modern psychoanalysis ↓
Sigmund Freud (1857-1939) pioneered the development of a method for investigating and treating the mind, coining the term “psychoanalysis”.
Like any body of scientific theory, with emerging evidence, psychoanalytic theory continues to develop all the time, constantly evolving in response to the world in which we live.Today’s practice is the result of work by many clinicians and thinkers, with evidence to suggest treatment has long term effectivness (Read The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, by Jonathan Shedler ).
The influence of psychoanalytic ideas goes further than is often understood, with many therapists and clinicians in the public sector adopting its principles, as well as therapists who are members of the
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australasia Inc.
Outside mental health, core understandings of psychoanalysis are being explored in diverse areas throughout society (eg. philosophy, economics, etc.). We aim to promote as much dialogue as possible with other professions, exploring new opportunities for psychoanalytic ideas to shed light on our lives.
How psychoanalysis can help ↓
Discover how the way you think affects your wellbeing
Everyone sees the world differently, it’s part of being human. But sometimes our perspectives and thoughts can have negative effects on our wellbeing.
The beliefs and fears that shape our way of looking at and living in the world often become hard-wired into our personality, making them hard patterns to understand, let alone change. We can find ourselves repeating destructive behaviours, preventing us from developing key areas of our lives.
Psychoanalytic treatment explores how unconscious factors can influence current relationships, patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour. These factors can be the source of considerable distress and unhappiness, but they aren’t always easy to identify.
For some there’s a very specific problem they want to solve, whilst others seek treatment because they experience negative feelings that are harder to define. There may be recognisable symptoms, like troubling personality traits, difficulties at work or in relationships, or disturbances in mood and self-esteem, or there could be no outward sign at all, just a feeling that ‘something’s not quite right’. Because these forces are unconscious, the advice of friends and family, the reading of self-help books, or even the most determined efforts of will, often fail to provide answers, or offer relief. That’s where psychoanalysis can help.
Together on a path to change
Whatever the true causes of these behaviours, the role of the psychoanalyst is to listen carefully to the patient and try to understand, from their verbal, and non-verbal communication, what their underlying emotional conflicts could be.
Analysis is an intimate partnership. As the patient becomes aware of the sources of their difficulties, they work with their analyst to build a safe, trusting relationship that enables the patient to unlock aspects of themselves that have been hidden because of feelings of pain, shame or guilt.
As a result, Psychoanalysis can significantly reduce psychological suffering and improve health and wellbeing, clearing a path to greater fulfilment.
It takes time and energy to really understand someone, and people are constantly changing, so to achieve the best outcomes, psychoanalytic treatment is often considered an open ended process. While every patient has different needs, once a strong rapport is established, many find it useful to meet with their analyst on a regular basis.
Taking the first steps
Before deciding whether to undergo treatment, you’ll have the chance to meet a psychoanalyst for an initial consultation. This is an opportunity to explore your reasons for seeking help, to discuss your situation, identity problem areas and consider what may be the best option for you.
Find an analyst ↓
There are two key ways to find an analyst. Approaching one directly, or being referred by a professional.
The Winn Clinic — Consultation & Referral Service
We are happy to help you find the right analyst. The Winn Clinic in Sydney and Melbourne arranges consultations and referrals for psychoanalytic treatment of emotional problems for adults as well as for expectant parents and parents of a new baby.
Depending on your personal circumstances, these initial consultations and subsequent treatment may be subsidised.
Choosing yourself
Before beginning any treatment, you should check the practitioner you are considering is qualified. All psychoanalysts in our Find an Analyst section have completed extensive training approved by the IPA and are registered with APAS. Some are also specifically trained to work with children and adolescents.
FAQs
What to expect
Psychoanalytic treatment consists of regular meetings with an analyst for sessions that last fifty minutes. This stable, confidential structure gives you and your analyst the chance to build a rapport and discover what might be happening at an unconscious level.
Why choose an APAS trained psychoanalyst?
If you have decided to seek psychoanalytic help, you need to be sure you are working with someone that meets the highest professional standards and qualifications. Our training is recognised by the International Psychoanalytic Association, the peak international regulatory body for psychoanalysis internationally.
How much does treatment cost?
The cost of psychoanalytic treatment varies, depending on a number of factors. Different analysts will charge different fees. You will be able to discuss the fee with the analyst before commencing treatment.
Psychoanalysis explained