About face-to-face psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis works with the hypothesis of the unconscious. This means that our affections, behaviors and relationships are directly influenced by elements that escape us. To work on these elements, psychoanalytic treatment makes use of speech. We start from an assumption: what is said has an effect on us. Likewise, what is silenced has consequences.

In its traditional model, treatment takes place through face-to-face meetings in a consulting room. There, the patient will be invited to speak. And they can talk about whatever they want: their story, their goals, their dreams, fantasies, ideas, etc. However, there is a rule, which Freud called “free association”. This rule states that speech must be uncensored, in other words: during the sessions we must say everything that crosses our minds, even what seems shameful or unimportant.

The consulting room is an environment prepared for analysis sessions to take place in peace and safety. In this context, the meetings take place in a comfortable and confidential space that also has a divan. When the couch is used, the patient lies down to talk, which often favors the dynamic of free association. However, the couch is not compulsory and therapy can be carried out in armchairs.

When possible, it's interesting to do the session in person, since the analytical setting tends to provide a slightly more direct and immersive experience. In addition, it's common for the time spent going to and from the office to be configured as a “time of analysis” in which reflections and thoughts arise.