Myth #1: Psychoanalysts interpret the deeper meaning of what you really mean

Contrary to common belief, the aim of psychoanalysis is not to arrive at new interpretations about one’s life (although that might be helpful and is probably unavoidable in psychoanalysis). Its therapeutic effects can go beyond acquiring new information about oneself, changing one’s beliefs, or gaining more adaptive insights and perspectives. Psychoanalysis disputes the belief that interpretations and understanding are the ultimate aim of the psychoanalytic process. Rather than reinforcing society’s emphasis on knowledge—which is inherently shaped by language—psychoanalysis challenges the adequacy of language to comprehend our psyches and focuses instead on processes that extend beyond what can be articulated linguistically.

If you’re curious about how this kind of work might apply to you, starting a conversation is often the first step.

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Psychotherapy as a space for

inquiry and transformation