Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis or Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
As a therapy Psychoanalysis is based on the Freudian premise that individuals are unaware of many factors that determine their behaviours and their emotions. These unconscious processes often have recognisable and troublesome symptoms such as anxiety, depression and even personality traits that cause difficulties in work, in relationships, or disturbances in mood and self esteem.
Psychoanalysts is a partnership between therapist (analyst) and client (analysand). In the course of the treatment the client becomes aware of the sources of these unconscious factors that are causing their difficulties.
Psychoanalysts work very hard to listen to their clients, that is a very particular kind of listening that is different to other therapies as this listening privileges the unconscious. As the client speaks, hints of unconscious sources of their difficulties gradually appear. The analyst helps the client to elucidate these thoughts and patterns that are present in repetitive patterns of behaviour that continue to cause them difficulty.
The focus on a unique subjective listening and understanding is the main dynamic that separates psychoanalysis from other forms of mental health treatments where diagnosis and prescribing of behaviours or medication are often prime treatment.
A Confidential Space
Olivia Fox Psychotherapy provides a space where you can speak confidentially about the issues that are affecting you. In working psychoanalytically Olivia privledges the unconscious to allow for that part of you which has the greatest determination of how you think, behave and feel.
Want to know more about how Psychoanalysis can help?
One client's story...
“Before I started with Olivia Fox Psychotherapy I found myself feeling anxious all the time. Especially when I was in college and had to go in to groups. It was even worse when I had to give presentations. I would feel physically sick and almost couldn’t breathe. It started to really affect my work and relationships with people. I went to my doctor who recommended Olivia Fox Psychotherapy. I contacted Olivia and after starting therapy I found that speaking with her and her way of listening and understanding helped me figure out who I am and why I am me. I still have more work to do and I see Olivia twice weekly in her clinic in Summerhill. However I can say it has truly changed my perspective on myself and my life in a very positive way”