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	Barbara Burrows

	BA ATPPP Member CAPT Psychotherapist/Parent Education Psychoanalytic Candidate - Toronto Psychoanalytic Institute

Treatment

Individual psychoanalytic treatment is offered through psychotherapy (once or twice weekly) or psychoanalysis (four or five times weekly).

Considerable research supports the effectiveness of a psychodynamic approach. This form of treatment has proven a successful intervention in all forms of psychological difficulties and even for severe forms of mental illness.* Some problems that may lead people to psychodynamic treatment are:

insomnia or poor concentration
relationship difficulties
unexplained physical symptoms such as stomach/headaches; racing heart
obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions
depression or anxiety
temper outbursts
dependency on food, alcohol or drugs
an inability to move forward or cope with life

This is an approach to psychological difficulties that in time can be expected to yield dependable, internally experienced change. It is not a direct problem solving approach, but rather a form of treatment that searches for how and why various difficulties have emerged, and lifts into consciousness psychological road blocks that have interfered in some way with productivity, development, health or enjoyment of life. Over a period of time, it helps patients understand and work through the issues that have led to their troubles. Problems are resolved with new psychological strengths developed during the therapeutic process rather than through direct suggestions, goal setting or advice.

The process begins with one or more appointments for an initial assessment. This determines whether a psychoanalytic approach is a suitable treatment and allows the patient to form his or her own opinion about whether there is a good fit. If both therapist and patient agree, the treatment begins.

* The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - 2009 American Psychological Journal.