Psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is an offspring of psychoanalysis, conceived by Sigmund Freud. It’s difference to psychoanalysis proper is partly in terms of the setting, with 1 - 2 weekly session where patient and therapist face each other rather than lying on the couch.
Due to this, psychoanalytic psychotherapy is suited for different pathologies and struggles, such as:
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Anxiety
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Compulsive behaviour and obsessive-compulsive disorder
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Depression and mood disorders
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Personality disorders
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Eating disorders
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Exhaustion, burnout, stress
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Problems with sleep
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Psychosomatic complaints
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Addictive behaviour and substance abuse
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Sexual dysfunctions
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The focal point of the method is the therapeutic relationship, which is used to redress unconscious, biographical conflicts and pathological personality developments in the “here and now”. By way of working-through and gaining new understanding in the therapeutic encounter, long-lasting changes and an improved quality of life are brought about.
Evidence of effectiveness
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Leuzinger-Bohleber, M., Hautzinger, M., Keller, W., Fiedler, G., Bahrke, U., Kallenbach, L., … & Beutel, M. (2019). Psychoanalytische und kognitiv-behaviorale Langzeitbehandlung chronisch depressiver Patienten bei randomisierter oder präferierter Zuweisung: Ergebnisse der LAC-Studie. PSYCHE, 73(02); 77–105.
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Leichsenring, F., Klein, S. (2014). Evidence for psychodynamic psychotherapy in specific mental disorders: a systematic review. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 28: 4–32.
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Shedler, J. (2010). The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65 (2): 98-109.
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de Maat, S., de Jonghe, F., Schoevers, R. et al (2009). The effectiveness of long term psychoanalytic psychotherapy: a systemic review of empirical studies. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 17: 1–23.