Psychoanalysis is a form of talk therapy that is more intensive than other kinds of psychotherapy. Sigmund Freud was the first psychoanalyst and this is the type of therapy where people lie on the couch and talk about everything that comes to their mind. Psychoanalytic treatment uncovers unconscious factors that affect current relationships and patterns of behavior, traces them back to their historical origins, shows how they have changed and developed over time, and helps the individual to deal better with the realities of adult life. This is done not only through intellectual insight but also by reexperiencing the emotional conflicts with the analyst. Psychoanalysis is typically done in 3 to 5 sessions per week. To undergo psychoanalysis, the professional should be specifically trained in this type of treatment.

In contrast, psychotherapy is typically once or twice per week. Psychodynamic psychotherapy also has the purpose of bringing unconscious feelings and thoughts into awareness to resolve symptoms, conflicts, and negative behaviors. However, this type of treatment is less intensive.