What is Psychoanalysis and how does it differ from Psychotherapy?

Psychoanalysis, as discovered by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century, developed through his work with patients who attended daily sessions whilst lying on the couch. Through this work, various insights regarding the unconscious mind and its associated processes were developed. Drawing from these insights, less frequent treatments have become popular, and are known as psychodynamic (or psychoanalytic) psychotherapy – with sessions usually offered at a frequency of between once and three times a week. Unlike other treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoanalytic work attempts to understand the unconscious instincts and processes that govern our thoughts and behaviour. By understanding and integrating these insights, we can start to change the way in which we view ourselves and the world around us, enabling us to make positive changes in our relationships and our lives.