The Essence of Psychoanalysis and the Psychoanalytic Contract.
Laura Pedrazin, Degree in Clinical Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan,
Order of Psychologists of Lombardy No. 25499.
Explores how psychoanalysis and the psychoanalytic contract can transform self-understanding and improve psychological well-being.
Psychoanalysis offers a deep exploration of the Unconscious, revealing internal dynamics that influence behavior.
The foundation of psychoanalytic therapy is the “psychoanalytic contract,” which is an agreement between analyst and patient based on mutual trust and commitment.
The patient engages in saying “whatever comes to mind” (free association), in terms of feelings, memories, images, experiences related to self, present, past, future or relationships, including the one with the analyst.
The analyst agrees to maintain strict confidentiality about everything he or she will be made aware of during therapy. The analyst will act as a sounding board for everything the patient brings to him, without judgment and with great discretion. He will be present and constantly attuned to the patient’s conscious and unconscious needs and communications. The latter is asked for patience and a willingness to build together and over time the kind of trust necessary for sharing the most personal aspects of his or her own experience and life story.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud, born in 1856, was a pioneer of psychoanalysis, revolutionizing the way we understand the human mind. His theories on the Unconscious, dreams and sexuality broke new ground in psychotherapy. Through works such as “The Interpretation of Dreams” and “Totem and Taboo,” Freud left an indelible mark on the field of psychology.
The Psychoanalytic Contract
Fundamentals of the Psychoanalytic Contract
The psychoanalytic contract is an essential agreement between the patient and the psychoanalyst that defines the rules, goals and expectations of the therapeutic journey. This contract ensures that a space of trust and safety is created, allowing the patient to freely explore his or her thoughts and feelings.
The relevance of the psychoanalytic contract lies in its ability to create a stable and protected therapeutic environment. Through this agreement, the patient agrees to actively participate in the process of analysis, while the analyst guarantees attentive and professional listening. This relationship of trust is crucial to the success of psychoanalytic therapy.
The Psychoanalytic Setting
The psychoanalytic setting defines spatial and temporal rules contributes to the creation of an environment designed to encourage reflection and introspection. The patient will be welcomed into a quiet, private space where he or she can feel safe and free to express what is on his or her mind at that moment. The arrangement of furniture, the possible use of a crib, and the absence of distractions are key elements in creating an atmosphere of concentration and openness. This context allows the patient to explore his or her inner world, facilitating the therapeutic process.
Patient Engagement.
The Key to Therapeutic Success
Patient engagement is a crucial element in the psychoanalytic journey. It requires perseverance, open-mindedness and a willingness to face deep and sometimes painful aspects of the self. Actively participating in sessions, reflecting on the themes that emerge, and giving space to insights in one’s daily life are essential steps for therapeutic progress. This engagement not only accelerates the healing process, but also helps build a deeper connection with oneself.
Confidence in the Psychoanalyst
A Pillar of the Therapeutic Relationship
Trust toward the psychoanalyst is fundamental to an effective therapeutic relationship. It is built over time through attentive listening, attunement and empathy demonstrated by the therapist. Solid trust allows the patient to open up fully, sharing aspects of himself and his mental and emotional life without fear of judgment. This bond of trust facilitates the exploration of complex and sensitive issues, creating a safe environment where the patient can observe together with the analyst what is happening to him or her at that moment and can analyze likewise the dynamics of interaction and relationship that he or she tends to use with the analyst himself or herself and also outside the analysis room. In fact, even the relationship with the analyst, precisely because it can be easily observed by both, can be a source of exploration and valuable information about the patient’s interpersonal relationships.
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