The Difference Between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that assists people in exploring and understanding their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. It was founded by Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud in 1910.
Psychoanalysis requires a long-term partnership between a patient and analyst, which can be challenging at times but necessary for successful treatment outcomes.
Psychoanalysis differs from cognitive behavioral therapy in that it focuses on the unconscious mind and emotional baggage that affects daily life. As such, recovery times may be longer than with other forms of therapy.
It also requires more sessions than other therapies to maximize its effects, as this helps maintain a high intensity level and foster an intimate connection between the patient’s conscious and unconscious minds.
The therapist and patient collaborate to identify problematic beliefs, feelings and situations that could be contributing to symptoms or behavior. By doing so, they can learn how to alter these habits and thoughts that cause issues.
They then employ tools like goal setting to help the patient make positive changes in their lives, such as addressing specific symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Furthermore, it provides them with insight into how their thoughts and feelings are connected.
Both techniques have been found to be successful in treating various mental health issues and disorders. Unfortunately, their distinctions can be challenging for patients and families to comprehend.
Psychoanalysis is a more intensive type of therapy, requiring more frequent sessions than other types. It may be recommended for people with severe or complex symptoms or those who have tried other treatments but are still having issues.
In interpretive therapy, the therapist utilizes “interpretation” to help the patient comprehend why they feel certain ways. This requires a great deal of time and patience on behalf of the analyst as they must carefully listen to what the patient says and thinks.
It can be challenging, especially for those used to more direct and open conversations with a therapist about their feelings. Nevertheless, the end results can be immensely satisfying in the end.
In a session, the therapist and patient will explore the patient’s past and present to gain a greater insight into how their experiences have shaped them. They then address how these influences are impacting their current relationships and patterns of behavior.
The patient and therapist will also discuss their expectations for therapy. This helps both parties decide if it is suitable for them.
Therapists have several techniques to help their patient improve symptoms and behaviors, such as situation exposure and systematic desensitization. This involves exposing the patient to distressing situations in order to gradually increase their tolerance for those events.
These techniques can also be beneficial for patients who lack problem-solving abilities and require guidance with these abilities. Furthermore, patients may need to practice their newfound abilities in realistic scenarios before they feel confident using them on a daily basis.
