Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Therapy in NYC

Specialists in Psychoanalysis

Living with unresolved, unexamined internal conflict can feel like navigating life blind. 

You might find yourself reacting to situations in ways that don’t make sense to you or feeling emotions that seem out of proportion to the circumstances. These hidden struggles may manifest as recurring challenges in your relationships, career, and emotional well-being.

Despite your best efforts to free yourself from these unhelpful patterns, maybe you find yourself feeling confused, stuck and increasingly disconnected from yourself and others.

If this resonates with you, you may benefit from a deeper exploration of yourself and the patterns that shape your life. Psychoanalysis offers a unique and in-depth approach that goes beyond symptom management. At Clarity Therapy, our licensed psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic therapists are here to help you uncover the root causes of your difficulties, leading to profound and lasting change.

What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a form of therapy rooted in the idea that our unconscious mind—filled with thoughts, memories, and feelings that we might not be fully aware of— influences our behavior, relationships, and emotions in profound ways. First developed by Sigmund Freud, and later many others, this approach aims to bring these unconscious elements to the surface, allowing you to gain deeper insights into your life and make meaningful changes.

Psychoanalysis is often misunderstood as a passive process, with the therapist simply listening while the client speaks. In reality, it’s a deeply engaging and collaborative journey. Unlike more solution-focused therapies, psychoanalysis is an exploratory process that involves delving into your early development, exploring the deeper meaning of your dreams, and your innermost thoughts to understand how they shape your current experiences. It’s particularly effective for individuals who have long-standing issues or recurring patterns that they can’t seem to break, despite previous therapy or self-help efforts.

What does psychoanalysis look like?

The traditional view of psychoanalysis often evokes an image of a client on a couch and a silent therapist, but in practice, it’s a much more active and engaging collaboration. Psychoanalysis typically involves regular, often multiple sessions per week, where you have the time and space to explore your inner world in depth. This approach is less about quick fixes and more about understanding the roots of your issues, which can lead to lasting, meaningful change over time.

In sessions, you’ll engage in free association—speaking freely about whatever comes to mind—to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will help you interpret these thoughts and explore their significance, guiding you toward greater self-awareness and emotional insight. Psychoanalysis is best suited for you if you’re interested in long-term therapy, as it typically requires regular sessions over a period of years. This process most benefits individuals who are patient and dedicated to personal growth.

For this reason, starting psychoanalysis can feel like a significant commitment, both in terms of time and emotional energy. However, if you’ve tried therapy in the past and experienced only temporary relief from symptoms or find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns, it may be beneficial to explore a deeper approach. Psychoanalysis offers the opportunity to uncover and address the underlying causes of these recurring issues, leading to profound insights and lasting change. This investment in yourself can transform how you understand and experience life on a fundamental level, unlocking a richer, more fulfilling existence.

Positive changes you can look forward to:

• A deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations
• The resolution of longstanding emotional conflicts
• Healthier, more satisfying relationships
• Increased emotional resilience and stability
• A more authentic and fulfilling life

Jungian vs. Freudian: Key Differences in Approaching the Unconscious

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern psychology. Initially a close collaborator of Sigmund Freud, Jung eventually developed his own distinct approach, known as analytical psychology. The Jungian approach differs from Freud’s in that it views the unconscious as more than just a storehouse of personal issues. For Jung, when the unconscious is brought to light, it serves as a guide to an individual’s unique life journey.

Jung introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, a universal aspect of the unconscious mind containing archetypes—symbolic patterns shared by all humans. His perspective is both religiously and spiritually inclusive, offering a holistic view that not only examines past experiences (reductive) but also addresses current issues and future potential (teleological).

Central to Jung’s approach is the concept of the Self which represents the totality of one’s being. He believed that the journey of self-discovery is about uncovering who you truly are, beyond the layers of life’s experiences and circumstances. When a person undergoes individuation—a key concept in Jung’s theory—they become more adept at addressing the external demands of life, responding to challenges holistically rather than viewing them as separate problems to solve.

While Freudian therapy often aims to help individuals fit into the society they find themselves in, Jung’s approach is broader. It aligns with the philosophy of J. Krishnamurti, an early proponent of Eastern thought in the West, who famously said, “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Jung’s work invites individuals to explore their true selves, offering a path to personal wholeness and deeper understanding.