Definition: Psychoanalytic therapy (also referred to as psychodynamic therapy) is a type of psychology that involves exploring and analyzing a patient's unconscious mind, often through sessions with a therapist who uses psychoanalytic techniques. The term "psychoanalytic" was introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s. It refers to the psychological theories of psychoanalysis which involve uncovering unconscious conflicts and repressed experiences to gain insight into one's psyche or psyche structure, as opposed to more traditional psychological approaches that focus on personal identity. Psychoanalysis is a holistic therapy approach, meaning it does not rely solely on individual symptoms but also considers the interplay between physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person's life. It focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior, thought patterns, and relationships, as well as unconscious influences in one's psyche. One of the key concepts in psychoanalytic therapy is the concept of "primary motives." These are emotions that drive behaviors and thoughts without any underlying conscious motivations. For example, a child might cry when they are upset because it is their primary emotional response rather than due to external factors like an accident. Another core concept is the idea of "repressed memories," which are unconscious thoughts and feelings that one does not want to remember but do. By exploring these, therapists can help clients develop healthier coping strategies and avoid repressed memories becoming too heavy in the psyche. Psychoanalytic therapy may involve several sessions over time, depending on a patient's needs, and it often involves working with both the client and their therapist to find the best path forward for them.

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