Types of psychoanalysis

Psychology, as a science dedicated to the study of the human mind and behaviour, has various approaches that seek to understand the complex processes that define us. One of the most prominent and revolutionary is psychoanalysis, a discipline that has influenced both clinical practice and contemporary thought and offers new perspectives on the unconscious and its impact on our lives. 

In this post, we will look at what psychoanalysis is, the different types of psychoanalysis, what studies are needed to become a psychoanalyst and some examples.

If you are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of how the mind works and exploring approaches such as psychoanalysis, the Degree in Psychology in Alicante or the Degree in Psychology in Valencia may be the first step towards a career in this field. This programme combines a solid theoretical background with practical applications that will prepare you to face the challenges of the mental health field.

What is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a psychological and therapeutic approach that focuses on unravelling the unconscious processes that influence human behaviour. Developed by Sigmund Freud at the end of the 19th century, this approach has been fundamental to understanding phenomena such as dreams, traumas and the deep motivations that shape our personality.

Using techniques such as free association, dream interpretation and transference analysis, psychoanalysis seeks to identify and resolve internal conflicts that may be affecting the patient's mental health. This approach can also be complemented by other contemporary methods such as EMDR therapy, which helps to process trauma effectively, or by approaches that promote holistic well-being, such as positive psychology.

In addition to its therapeutic use, this discipline has had a significant impact in areas such as culture, art and education, and has become one of the most influential psychological trends of all time.

Characteristics of psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is characterised by a series of key elements:

• Exploration of the unconscious: it focuses on those aspects of the mind that are not conscious, but which influence our daily decisions and emotions, revealing internal conflicts that are usually repressed.
• Use of symbolic language: it analyses how dreams, slips of the tongue and failed acts reflect unconscious desires and conflicts, interpreting them from a deep and personalised perspective.
• Therapist-patient relationship: the therapist acts as a guide to explore the patient's emotional patterns and understand the origin of the current problems.

What types of psychoanalysis exist?

Psychoanalysis has evolved significantly since its origins, with different approaches that respond to the needs and contexts of each era. Some of these types are:

• Classical: based on Freud's original theories, it focuses on the exploration of the unconscious through techniques such as free association and dream interpretation.
• Lacan: introduces concepts of language and the structure of the subject and emphasises the importance of language in the formation of identity.
• Relational: emphasises the interaction between the individual and their environment, as it considers that personal relationships are key to understanding internal conflicts.
• Postmodern: includes contemporary perspectives that integrate new cultural and social approaches to interpreting the unconscious.

What studies are needed to do psychoanalysis?

To specialise in psychoanalysis, it is essential to have a solid background in psychology, as this discipline provides the theoretical and practical foundations necessary to understand the functioning of the human mind. Studying a programme such as the Degree in Psychology in Malaga or the Degree in Psychology in Madrid is a key first step to delving into this field. These programmes offer comprehensive training that covers both the fundamentals of psychology and their practical application in different areas.

Once the degree has been completed, it is common to specialise in psychoanalysis through master's programmes or specific courses offered by institutions and training schools in this field. These advanced courses delve deeper into psychoanalytic techniques, such as dream interpretation and free association, and into theories developed by key figures such as Freud, Lacan and others.

However, it should be noted that specialisation in psychoanalysis requires not only academic study but also a continuous commitment to practice and learning, as this discipline continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of contemporary psychology.

Examples of the application of psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is not limited to the clinical field; its deep and versatile approach makes it a tool applicable to multiple areas:

• Art and culture: psychoanalysis is used to interpret artistic works, revealing hidden symbolic meanings and exploring the psychology of the author.
• Education: in the educational field, psychoanalysis helps to understand the emotional dynamics that influence learning, both in students and teachers, and provides tools to improve interaction in the classroom.
• Organisations: in the workplace, it is used to analyse conflicts, improve communication and address unconscious dynamics that affect the productivity and well-being of teams.
• Complementary therapies: in combination with other approaches, such as types of psychological therapy, psychoanalysis contributes to a more comprehensive and personalised approach to emotional disorders.

Today, psychoanalysis continues to be a powerful tool for understanding the mental and emotional processes that affect us daily. So, if you are interested in studying psychology and everything related to this area, you can access the different degrees in biomedicine and health sciences at Universidad Europea and find the one you like best.