Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a form of clinical practice based on psychoanalytic theory and principles. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy uses psychoanalytic theories as a framework for designing and understanding the therapeutic process. By working with unconscious material, i.e. that which in principle is often not accessible to conscious understanding, and with fantasies, free associations, symbolism, and dream work, psychoanalytic psychotherapy emphasizes increased self-understanding, deepening insight into emotional conflicts and life (existential) questions that lie behind the current problems.

Most often, therapy sessions are held from one to four times a week. In the psychoanalytic process, the emphasis is on the exploration of inner experience through situations in everyday life that manifest in the context of the therapeutic relationship.

The effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy is well documented. Current research shows that this is an effective method for solving mental disorders and problems (Shedler, J. (2010). The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, American Psychologist, 65, 98-109).