Psychoanalysis is a collaborative process between an analyst and an analysand that involves an intensive exploration of the analysand’s personality and behavior. They work together, examining troublesome and often longstanding conflicts that disturb and limit vitality. Through the analytic process, analysands develop a depth of understanding about their relationship to themselves, to others, and to work for the fullest use of their capacities. This can bring about deep-seated and lasting change, thereby enhancing the quality of life. Psychoanalysis is based on the view that individuals are often unaware of many of the factors that determine their emotions and behavior. These factors may create unhappiness, sometimes in the form of symptoms, troubling personality traits, difficulties in work or love relationships, or disturbances in mood or self-esteem.
Since these tendencies and feelings are hidden out of awareness, the advice of friends and family, the reading of self-help books, or even intense determination often fail to provide relief. Psychoanalysis offers the opportunity to develop a long term therapeutic relationship with a professional whose expertise is grounded in empathetic understanding of the human condition and the way we cope with life’s challenges. With increased awareness, the analysand develops the capacity to recognize both problematic patterns and creative capacities enabling the development of a healthier and more satisfying life.