Understanding Psychoanalytic Therapy

Psychoanalytic therapy is a traditional, well-established therapeutic method focused on exploring the unconscious mind—the part of ourselves that holds memories, beliefs, and emotional patterns we may not be fully aware of.

By bringing these hidden thoughts and feelings into conscious awareness, clients can better understand the “why” behind their emotional reactions, behaviors, and relationship patterns.

When you understand your inner world, you transform your outer one.

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How Psychoanalytic Therapy Works

Sessions in psychoanalytic therapy often include:

• Open, free-flowing conversation
• Exploring dreams, memories, or recurring thoughts
• Noticing patterns in behavior or relationships
• Identifying unresolved experiences from childhood or earlier life
• Understanding defense mechanisms (avoidance, perfectionism, emotional distancing, etc.)
• Building emotional insight and self-awareness

Your therapist gently guides the process, helping you explore connections between past and present, uncover emotional blocks, and create meaningful change.

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What Psychoanalytic Therapy Helps With

Psychoanalytic therapy is especially effective for those who want to understand themselves on a deeper level or who experience patterns that keep repeating despite their best efforts to change.

It can help with:

• Anxiety and chronic worry
• Depression or low mood
• Relationship conflicts
• Low self-esteem or self-doubt
• Emotional disconnection or numbness
• Long-standing emotional wounds
• Childhood trauma or adverse experiences
• Identity exploration
• Perfectionism, self-sabotage, or avoidance
• Family-of-origin issues

This approach helps clients connect the dots between past experiences and present challenges—leading to clarity, healing, and empowerment.

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The Psychoanalytic Approach at PS It’s Counseling

Our therapists use a warm, collaborative, and modern approach to psychoanalytic therapy. Instead of rigid structure or outdated formality, sessions are conversational, reflective, and grounded in trust.

We integrate:

• Psychodynamic Exploration: Understanding unconscious patterns and emotional roots.
• Attachment Theory: Exploring how early relationships shape adult connection.
• Relational Therapy: Using the therapeutic relationship as a tool for healing.
• Insight-Oriented Techniques: Helping clients develop deep self-understanding.
• Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness: Increasing presence and self-connection.

This blend of traditional and contemporary methods creates a rich, supportive healing experience.

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What to Expect in Sessions

1. A Safe Space to Explore: You’ll share thoughts, memories, and feelings freely, without judgment.
2. Reflection and Understanding: Your therapist helps you recognize patterns that may be affecting your life.
3. Emotional Insight: Together, you uncover the deeper meaning and roots behind emotions or behaviors.
4. Integration: As awareness grows, you begin applying insights to daily life and relationships.
5. Gradual, Lasting Change: Over time, the insights gained lead to emotional freedom, healthier choices, and stronger self-awareness.

Psychoanalytic therapy is not rushed—it values depth, healing, and long-term growth.

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Benefits of Psychoanalytic Therapy

• Increased self-awareness
• Healthier relationships and communication
• Healing from past emotional wounds
• Understanding recurring patterns and triggers
• Greater emotional freedom and flexibility
• Improved confidence and self-worth
• Deeper sense of identity
• Long-lasting personal change

The more you understand your inner world, the more empowered you become in shaping your outer world.

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Related Services and Specialties

Psychoanalytic therapy pairs well with:

These complementary services help deepen emotional healing and offer multiple paths toward growth.

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Our Therapists

Our experienced therapists are trained in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, providing a warm, reflective, and supportive environment for deep emotional exploration.

Meet Our Team →