Psychoanalytic treatment methods
What we experience, think and feel is shaped in no small part by unconscious processes. These processes can cause inner conflict, which may in turn lead to ill (physical and mental) health – an insight we owe to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Such conflicts may manifest as anxiety, physical ailments, compulsions, relationship difficulties and other symptoms that cause suffering for us and the people close to us.
Therapy is about exploring your unconscious mind. Ultimately, getting to know yourself better and from a different point of view allows you to change according to your wishes. Becoming more aware of yourself – and the ideas and feelings you used to repress – has a liberating effect. This liberating effect is about much more than becoming symptom-free. It is about becoming more autonomous and content in your own life and in your relationships, about strengthening your capacity for pleasure and performance.
Setting
After two to four consultations, we agree on the most appropriate setting for you. One session lasts 50 minutes.
Psychoanalytic individual psychotherapy (once or twice per week, seated)
This setting allows you to identify, understand and change the factors that are causing you suffering. It is best suited for clearly defined problems and stress factors.
Psychoanalysis (usually at least three times per week, lying on the Couch)
“I do not wish to arouse conviction; I wish to stimulate thought and to upset prejudices. (…) We do not even require of our patients that they should bring a conviction of the truth of psycho-analysis into the treatment or be adherents of it. Such an attitude often raises our suspicions. The attitude that we find the most desirable in them is a benevolent scepticism.” (S. Freud, Introductory Lectures On Psycho-Analysis, 1914)
Classical psychoanalysis takes time, often several years, and culminates in profound personality change. This type of treatment requires that you are willing to take a close look at your personal history, to take ownership of it so you can gain a deeper understanding of your current and future problems and come up with creative solutions. Your dreams, your associations and the freedom to talk about whatever is on your mind while lying on the couch – all that plays an important role in the therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for any change.
Couples therapy
Psychoanalytic couples therapy is about recognizing the unconscious mechanisms that lead to conflicts, crises or repressed possibilities for development in the couple relationship and looking for possibilities for change or accompanying the partners in the separation process when the basis for a life together can no longer be found.
Crisis intervention
Bereavement and grief, separation or external events such as accidents or natural disasters: Crises are a part of life. People in crisis need supportive treatment to help them regain a sense of stability. Once the immediate crisis has been resolved, you can seek further therapy.
Appointment cancellations
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please cancel it in time (at least 48 hours in advance).
Please understand that appointments that are not cancelled in time will be fully charged.