Psychoanalysis is a specialized form of psychotherapy which views emotional learning as a key element in childhood and adult development. Psychoanalysis seeks to help patients understand themselves and gain greater self-awareness about their emotions, their behavior, and the chasm between the unconscious and conscious mind. It is the most comprehensive approach to understanding the human experience.

The evolution of all other therapies comes from the history, richness, and depth exemplified by the work of psychoanalytically-trained therapists ranging from the earlier years of Freudian analysis to the more contemporary, sophisticated approaches to psychoanalytic treatment. We further believe psychoanalytic thought advances our knowledge of the human psyche and is instrumental in helping people free up their creativity and reach their potential as human beings.

Psychoanalytic treatment is the treatment of choice for many concerns. It is appropriate for persons who are depressed, anxious, bereaved, guilt-ridden, obsessed, and for those who feel worthless, hopeless, confused, and/or conflicted in their relationships with others. Psychoanalysis is also appropriate for a number of difficulties experienced by children, including sleeping, eating, and behavior problems, self-esteem issues, learning difficulties, and parent-child conflicts.

As a form of treatment, psychoanalysis is respectful of privacy and confidentiality of patients, and involves working with practitioners who are highly trained in this specialized form of treatment. The Southwest Psychoanalytic Society is interested in further advancing through collaboration and application of its many principles the importance of psychoanalysis to the practice of psychotherapy and world peace.