Analysis: The Process

People ask for an account of what to expect when entering therapy. This seems a reasonable request, particuarly in the light of many legal requirements imposed upon psychotherapy in the name of 'informed consent' and ‘consumer satisfaction.’

It is, however, misleading to pretend that what lies ahead is predictable, if only for the obvious fact that psychotherapists and counselors are neither mind readers nor fortune tellers, though some may pose as such.

What lies behind your issues cannot be known in advance of listening to what you have to say and interpreting what you reveal.

Bearing that in mind, Psychamerica recognizes a not uncommon trajectory of analyses, a theme upon which most work plays a variation, as it were. This invoves what we might regard as 'phases' in analysis, phases that may be characterized as follows:

1. INITIAL CONSULTATION

2. LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

3. (DIS)ORIENTATION

4. WORKING THROUGH

5. CHANGE

6. (UN)ENDINGS
 

Each of these phases are described in the links to the right. It is important to recognize that this is but one way of characterizing the tempi and flavor of periods in analysis, and that you may find your own trajectory is better portrayed using other metaphors.

It is also importat to recognize that the trajectory of analysis is not linear, that it does not proceed along a straight line, but is better regarded as a cycle or spiral, by which phases are revisted much like detours, or retours, and that phases interlace in highly individual ways.

You are free to punctuate your sessions at any time, and without any explanation or in line with any requirement of some kind of standardized notice.

And you are free to return when ready.

Pictured: Bergen aan Zee, Holland, 2025