Photo of Brian Welling, Psychologist in T6C, AB
Brian Welling
Psychologist, BA, MA, RPsyc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6C
Waitlist for new clients
Society used to look at mental health issues as something to be ashamed of, but we don't have to any more. Mental health, like physical health, is something that absolutely everyone must work at to feel good. It's rewarding work, but it isn't always easy. Traumatic events or even just daily struggles can sometimes lead to addictions, poor relationships with others, or strong feelings of disconnection and worthlessness. The resources we need to stay balanced, to grow, and to feel whole are within each of us, but sometimes we have trouble finding them on our own.
Society used to look at mental health issues as something to be ashamed of, but we don't have to any more. Mental health, like physical health, is something that absolutely everyone must work at to feel good. It's rewarding work, but it isn't always easy. Traumatic events or even just daily struggles can sometimes lead to addictions, poor relationships with others, or strong feelings of disconnection and worthlessness. The resources we need to stay balanced, to grow, and to feel whole are within each of us, but sometimes we have trouble finding them on our own.
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Does psychoanalytic therapy work?

Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviours. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.

How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?

Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behaviour is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.

Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?

Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?

Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.