Very broadly speaking, psychoanalysis is a theory of the mind and a therapeutic practice that is concerned with alleviating suffering by speaking freely about our thoughts, feelings and experiences to another person who is curious and listening intently.

One particular issue may take centre stage at the beginning of therapy but it is very unlikely to be isolated from the bigger picture of our life. Consequently, this kind of work is a long-term explorative process, rather than a ‘quick fix’ of a particular problem. The benefit of this is the possibility of fundamental change.

If you have ever wondered “I don’t know why I am doing this thing?" or perhaps, “I don’t know why I am doing this thing again, even though I didn’t like it the first time?”, then you are already thinking psychoanalytically.

The nature of the therapeutic relationship and the particularity of the words we choose to speak with in therapy offer insight into our wishes and desires that are not available to conscious thought. As these parts of ourselves become less obscure, we become less wary of them, allowing more freedom around how we live, make decisions, and relate to others outside of the therapy room.

Rather than sleepwalking through life, psychoanalysis offers the possibility of waking up to ourselves.

“This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realisation. It’s the sound of the unlocking and the lift away. Your love will be, safe with me.” Bon Iver