WHAT IS PSYCHOANALYSIS?
Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud as a way of exploring the human mind and the laws governing people’s unconscious life and modified and refined by later researchers. The efficacy and functioning of psychoanalysis has been confirmed by neurobiological and empirical studies and psychoanalysis has evolved into a scientific discipline.

Knowledge derived from psychoanalysis is used not only in psychotherapy of mental health issues, but also to improve self-awareness and communication in relationships, groups and organizations, as well as being applied in literary research and cultural and scientific fields, including sociology and ethnology [1, 2].

WHAT IS PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY (PP)?
PP heals psychic disorders and resolves psychic problems with the help of instruments and knowledge derived from psychoanalysis. It is extraordinarily effective in treating a wide spectrum of psychic health issues, because it identifies and addresses causes, as well as symptoms [3-6]. Its positive effects endure after termination of therapy and help clients to lead better, freer and more meaningful lives [7]. PP is the best choice not only when you want to deal with your problems, but also when you want to change or grow or if you are striving to know yourself better [8].

There are various method and forms of PP: classical psychoanalysis in the recumbent position (3 to 5 hours weekly), long- or short-term psychotherapy (once or twice per week), couples therapy, group therapy or crisis intervention (short-term help in sudden and difficult situations) [9, 10]. Whether and which method of PP is suitable for you is something we would decide during our first meeting.

WHAT IS PSYCHOANALYTIS COACHING?
Psychoanalytic coaching consists of regular meetings dedicated to particular problem or subject. Psychoanalytical techniques are used to investigate a problem, devise solutions and overcome unconscious barriers to creativity and productivity. Psychoanalytical coaching may be also suitable and for organizational managers and leaders who wish to gain new insights or develop new strategies in order to satisfy their individual needs or cope with specific situations and can be tailored to these purposes [11].

WHAT IS PSYCHOANALYTICAL COUNSELING FOR ORGANIZATIONS (PCO)?
Working groups, teams and organizations may become blocked when pursuing their tasks and goals. The aim of PCO is to detect and identify hidden barriers and help organizations to use their resources optimally in pursuit of their goals. PCO may give organizations deeper insight into the dynamics of their functioning and help them to discover hidden sources that can be used to overcome crisis or manage difficult situations [12, 13].

Love and sexuality
Enhancement of capacity to love and liberation of one’s sexuality are the central aims of psychoanalysis, because the precondition for satisfactory sexual and love life is the ability to love psychically and physically. PP helps people to uncover unconscious conflicts, develop their capacity to experience and enjoy their sexuality and to sustain a loving and sexually satisfying relationship with a partner.

Liveliness
Psychic liveliness is the fundamental precondition for a healthy soul. PP helps to unblock clients’ access to their unconscious. As a result of removing these barriers clients gain access to their inner wealth and life force and learn to use them as source of change, spontaneity, creativity and productivity.

Love, work, physical activity and enjoyment
Studies show that people who are able to love, work, enjoy and be physically active will lead a healthy life [7, 14-22]. Psychoanalysis and PP involve working through the unconscious or conscious barriers and to these capacities and factors inhibiting them.*

 

*I heartily thank Markus Fäh (www.markusfaeh.com) for his cooperation during development of my practice and this website. Not only has he shared with me his expertise in psychoanalysis, but also some contents of his website. Thank you Markus!

Sources and literature:

  1. Marmor, J., Modern psychoanalysis: New directions and perspectives. 2018: Routledge.
  2. Allen, A., “Psychoanalysis and Ethnology” Revisited: Foucault’s Historicization of History. The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 2017. 55(S1): p. 31-46.
  3. Sandell, R., et al., Varieties of long-term outcome among patients in psychoanalysis and long-term psychotherapy: A review of findings in the Stockholm Outcome of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Project (STOPPP). The International journal of psycho-analysis, 2000. 81(5): p. 921.
  4. Leichsenring, F. and S. Rabung, Effectiveness of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Jama, 2008. 300(13): p. 1551-1565.
  5. Fonagy, P., et al., Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression: the Tavistock Adult Depression Study (TADS). World Psychiatry, 2015. 14(3): p. 312-321.
  6. Shepherd, C. and N. Beail, A systematic review of the effectiveness of psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: progress and challenges. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 2017. 31(1): p. 94-117.
  7. Shedler, J., The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Am Psychol, 2010. 65(2): p. 98-109.
  8. McWilliams, N., Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process. 2011: Guilford Press.
  9. McWilliams, N., Psychoanalytic psychotherapy: A practitioner’s guide. 2004: Guilford Press.
  10. Greenson, R.R., The technique and practice of psychoanalysis: A memorial volume to Ralph R. Greenson. 2016: Karnac Books.
  11. Brunner, R., Psychoanalysis and coaching. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 1998. 13(7): p. 515-517.
  12. Arnaud, G., The contribution of psychoanalysis to organization studies and management: An overview. Organization Studies, 2012. 33(9): p. 1121-1135.
  13. De Board, R., The psychoanalysis of organizations: A psychoanalytic approach to behaviour in groups and organizations. 2014: Routledge.
  14. Wu, C., et al., Association of retirement age with mortality: a population-based longitudinal study among older adults in the USA. J Epidemiol Community Health, 2016. 70(9): p. 917-923.
  15. Seligman, M.E., T. Rashid, and A.C. Parks, Positive psychotherapy. American psychologist, 2006. 61(8): p. 774.
  16. Martin, R.A., Humor, laughter, and physical health: methodological issues and research findings. Psychological bulletin, 2001. 127(4): p. 504.
  17. Vogel, T., et al., Health benefits of physical activity in older patients: a review. International journal of clinical practice, 2009. 63(2): p. 303-320.
  18. Seppälä, E., The Happiness Track: How to apply the science of happiness to accelerate your success. 2016: Hachette UK.
  19. Umberson, D. and J. Karas Montez, Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of health and social behavior, 2010. 51(1_suppl): p. S54-S66.
  20. Fine, R., Love and work: The value system of psychoanalysis. 1990: Continuum.
  21. Penedo, F.J. and J.R. Dahn, Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current opinion in psychiatry, 2005. 18(2): p. 189-193.
  22. Nyström, M.B., et al., Treating major depression with physical activity: a systematic overview with recommendations. Cognitive behaviour therapy, 2015. 44(4): p. 341-352.