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Chapter 17: Therapy and Change
"The Talking Cure"

Introduction
Take a moment to get comfortable. Relax. Breathe deeply. Now focus on the next thought that pops into your head after you stop reading these words. O.K., so you're reading again, but if you were in psychoanalysis, your psychoanalyst would probably tell you to start talking about your roaming thoughts. Psychoanalysis is called the talking cure because its technique is to allow people to express their feelings while the psychoanalyst listens. Based on the personality theory of Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis is used to treat a variety of problems. Visit the Web site of The American Psychoanalytic Association to read their introductory pamphlet on psychoanalysis.

Destination Title: The American Psychoanalytic Association
Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions

  • Start at the American Psychoanalytic Association Web site.
  • Scroll down and click on the "About Psychoanalysis" topic.
  • Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.
1. Summarize the intention of psychoanalytic therapy.


2. Identify the problems that can be treated with psychoanalytic therapy.


3. Describe the processes of a psychoanalytic session.


4. List the main characteristics of psychoanalysis.


5. On a separate sheet of paper, make a chart evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of using psychoanalysis to treat each of the following: depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
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