Analysis: The Process
People often want to know what to expect when entering therapy. This seems like 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 in analysis 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.
THEME & VARIATIONS
Bearing that in mind, Psychamerica recognizes a not uncommon trajectory of analyses; a theme upon which most work plays a variation.
Most analyses comprise 'phases' that may be characterized as follows:
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 processes of analysis are not linear, that work does not proceed along a straight line, but is better regarded as a cycle or spiral, by which issues are revisted much like detours, or retours, and that such destinations interlace in highly individual and complex 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
Print 