Psychotherapy refers to the science of understanding human behavior and psychological processes. It is one of the approaches within the field of psychology. Psychotherapy involves using psychological methods to bring about changes in individuals’ behavior, help them overcome their problems, and treat mood and personality disorders, ultimately improving mental health. There are various approaches to psychotherapy, one of which is psychoanalysis. In our view, psychoanalysis is the most effective approach for treating clients.
Psychoanalysis:
To summarize psychoanalysis, it can be described as examining the relationship between the client’s primary complaint, for which they are attending sessions, and their relationships with important people in their life as well as their lived experiences from childhood to the present. Some of these experiences are in the unconscious. Through this specialized, systematic, and structured process, awareness is created, insights emerge, emotions are processed, and ultimately, treatment is carried out.
Scheduling:
Psychoanalytic sessions are generally held weekly, with each session lasting 45 minutes. However, the first two to three sessions, dedicated to diagnostic interviews, may last up to an hour. Usually, after the initial sessions and agreement between the therapist and the client to continue treatment, the session timing becomes routine. For example, the client may be scheduled for Mondays at six o’clock.
Each session has a precise and organized start and end time, meaning delays from the therapist are rare, and any delays from the client are analyzed either in the same or subsequent sessions. The number of sessions per week can be increased to twice a week or, in urgent situations, three times a week based on the therapist’s assessment or the client’s request.
A client needing more than three sessions per week may require hospitalization and clinical care rather than just therapy sessions. The number of sessions per month can be reduced to twice a month, but it cannot be fewer than two sessions per month. The rules regarding session timing are based on theoretical foundations and specific scientific reasons supported by research evidence. Therefore, trust your therapist in adhering to these rules.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is a crucial principle of therapy. The therapist is not permitted to share the client’s information or session content with others under any circumstances. If this occurs, the client can file a complaint against the therapist with relevant professional organizations. However, there are a few specific situations where the therapist may share limited and specific information with certain individuals:
a) For children and adolescents under 18, information is only shared with their parents or legal guardians and should be general and focused on what parents or guardians need to know to interact with the child or adolescent.
b) For individuals referred by the court for psychological assessment, information is shared generally to assist judges and relevant professionals in decision-making.
c) If there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, and if the client’s mental state suggests a serious risk of self-harm (i.e., suicide) or harm to others (i.e., aggression), specific protocols require informing one of the client’s contacts.
d) At the client’s request, if the client wishes to share specific information with a contact with their consent and coordination, the therapist is permitted to do so.
If someone from the family of an adult client over 18 contacts the therapist or sends a message, the therapist should neither respond nor acknowledge the message but should inform the client of the attempted contact and message in the next session. Adhering to these rules is crucial both theoretically and scientifically.
