What is Psychoanalytic Treatment Like Today?

Popular imagery of psychoanalysis has been less than complimentary. We see the farcical images of the endless analysis depicted in Woody Allen movies; T.V. shows of silent analysts saying nothing more than “uh-hmm” once in awhile; or the devious shrinks in some of today’s film mysteries. People often quickly dismiss psychoanalysis with comments such as “I do not want to dwell on the past”…”I shouldn’t blame everything on my parents”…”Therapy is too indulgent”…”I do not want to become too dependent on seeing a shrink”, etc. Contemporary psychoanalysts are aware of these concerns and can demonstrate that an analysis, rather than a crutch, is actually a way to free you from entanglements with the past to help you become more independent with more choices in life. Becoming more aware of what makes us tick gives us control and helps us develop individual responsibility. To that extent it takes some courage to face one’s past demons.

 

What types of problems can be treated?

There is a wide range of issues that may be treated in psychoanalysis. We have seen patients for the treatment of distressful emotions (anxiety and depression); inhibitions; interpersonal difficulties; family problems; work productivity and creativity; self-defeating patterns, life transition and identity concerns. We understand that many of our patients have individual issues that are not easily categorized and would need to be assessed in our initial consultation.

 

Some of our faculty have described analysis as a type of learning laboratory: A place in which the analyst can help the patient step back and look at his or her inner world as well as problems in every day life- in the here and now. How the patient experiences the analyst and behaves in the session can often provide a lens through which learning takes place. Meeting at least three times per week allows a person to explore aspects of oneself with some consistency. Waiting a week in between session can create a reluctance to bring up intense material.

 

“Most anyone” is one answer. The WAWI historically has expanded the application of psychoanalysis to a variety of people with a broad range of problems. Individuals who want to change aspects of their personality and their inner experiences may find considerable help in an analysis. Mental health professionals and people facing the challenges of the interpersonal needs of others (human resource, education, management) have found that knowledge gained in their personal analysis to be extremely helpful in the workplace. Parents have been especially helped by psychoanalysis as they reshape their old family maladaptive patterns into healthier ways of relating. However, the best answer to this question as to whether analysis is appropriate can only be determined by an individual consultation.

 

You may work with an analyst in training under supervision in our low fee clinic. Analysts “in training” are experienced mental health professionals with medical or graduate degrees. Most are treating their own patients in private practices and are licensed therapists with the State of New York. These carefully selected professionals study at WAWI for training beyond their medical or doctoral degrees. You may also request a senior analyst at the standard fees in New York City. Several of our senior analysts have also offered to adjust fees.

 

For the last 50 years WAWI has worked with individuals to make analysis affordable. In your initial consultation you will be able to arrange fees that may be adjusted for your out of pocket expenses beyond what your insurance covers. Please keep in mind that most insurance coverage is quite minimal.

 

Please call the clinic administrator, Leila Sosa, for an application at 212-873-7070. Once we receive your application we will contact you within the week. If you have any special concerns and questions feel free to call the Director of Clinical Services, Ira Moses, Ph.D., at 212-873-0725 ext.27 where you may leave a confidential voice mail. Privacy and confidentiality are a primary concern at WAWI.

Click here to download a clinic application (requires Adobe Acrobat reader, click here to download the reader)

Back to Top