noun

psychoanalysis

sigh-koh-uh-NAL-uh-sis/ˌsaɪkəʊəˈnæləsɪs/

A psychological theory and therapy focused on unconscious motives and conflicts.

During psychoanalysis, a client reflects on a childhood photo while a therapist listens.

Adult client reflects on childhood family photo while therapist listens and takes notes.

Etymology

psychoGreekmind, soul

+anaGreekup, back, throughout

+lysisGreekloosening, releasing

Combining “mind” with “a loosening up,” the word pictures analysis as separating a complex whole into its elements. In this therapy, those elements include unconscious fears and conflicts brought into awareness.

In context

Deep Dive Global29:29

turning their attention entirely to the unconscious mind. >> This is the dawn of psychoanalysis, the famous talking cure.

The Victorian Nervous Breakdown: A History of Neurasthenia and Social Control

More examples

Psychoanalysis examines how unconscious conflicts influence everyday behavior.
She begins psychoanalysis to explore patterns in her relationships.
His course compares psychoanalysis with other theories of the mind.

Forms

psychoanalysis · psychoanalyses

psychoanalyst noun — A therapist who practices psychoanalysis.

psychoanalytic adjective — Relating to psychoanalysis and its methods.

Similar words

psychotherapy: A broader term for treating mental difficulties through psychological methods.
psychodynamic therapy: Explores unconscious influences, often with fewer sessions than traditional psychoanalysis.