Psychoanalysis: understanding the parts of you you can't quite see
Why do we keep ending up in the same kind of relationship, or reacting in ways we don't understand? Psychoanalysis suggests the answers often sit just below the surface. Our therapists bring psychoanalytic ideas into sessions by secure video, so you can explore them from home.
- Qualified, vetted therapists
- Evening & weekend sessions
- Talk from home
Freud's idea that the mind runs deeper
Psychoanalysis is a theory of the mind and a form of therapy first developed by Sigmund Freud in Vienna in the late 1800s. Its central idea is that much of what drives us happens outside our awareness, in what Freud called the unconscious.
According to psychoanalytic thinking, feelings, memories and wishes that were too painful or confusing to face don't simply disappear. They get pushed out of sight, but they still shape how we think, feel and behave, often in ways that puzzle us or cause us distress.
Many of Freud's specific ideas have been debated and developed over the past century, but his core insight still sits at the heart of a lot of modern therapy: understanding ourselves more deeply can change how we live and relate to others.
How Freud mapped the human mind
Freud's model can sound technical, but the ideas behind it are surprisingly familiar once you put them into everyday terms.
The id
The oldest, most instinctive part of us. It wants what it wants, right now, and doesn't care much about rules or consequences.
The superego
Our inner voice of rules and standards, largely absorbed from parents and society. It can guide us, but it can also be harsh and critical.
The ego
The part that tries to keep the peace between the id, the superego and the demands of real life. Much of our inner conflict happens here.
Early life and the unconscious
Freud believed childhood experiences shape the adult we become. Feelings from those years can live on unconsciously and resurface later.
Making sense of yourself and your relationships
Freud noticed that we all use defence mechanisms to protect ourselves from painful feelings: denying something is happening, pushing a memory away, or blaming others for feelings that are really our own. These defences help in the short term, but when they become rigid they can leave us anxious, stuck or unhappy. Freud used the word neurosis for this kind of ongoing inner conflict.
Psychoanalytic therapy gently brings these patterns into the light so they lose some of their hold. Our therapists don't offer traditional daily psychoanalysis on a couch, but many draw on psychoanalytic ideas within psychodynamic therapy, with sessions held online by video.
Starting is simpler than you think
Reaching out is often the hardest part. From there, we'll guide you through each step.
Get in touch
Fill in our short contact form and tell us the best time to call. Share as much or as little as you like.
We'll call you
We'll ring at the time you chose for a relaxed, no-pressure chat about what's going on and what you'd like help with.
Start your sessions
We'll match you with a therapist who suits you and send a secure video link. Then you just log on.
Questions about psychoanalysis
They're closely related. Psychodynamic therapy grew out of psychoanalysis and uses many of the same ideas, but it's usually less intensive, with one session a week rather than several. Most of our therapists who work this way offer psychodynamic therapy.
Yes. The heart of psychoanalytic work is talking, listening and reflecting, and that happens just as well over a secure video call. Many people find it easier to open up from a familiar space.
Early life is an important part of psychoanalytic thinking, but you'll never be pushed. Your therapist will follow what feels meaningful to you, and you set the pace.
Some of Freud's specific theories have been challenged or updated, but his ideas about the unconscious, defences and the influence of early life still underpin many modern therapies.
Psychoanalytic work tends to be longer term, because it aims for deeper change rather than quick relief. You and your therapist will review how things are going and you're never locked in.
You'll find our current prices on our fees page. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Start understanding what lies beneath
Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a call at a time that suits you.
Opening hours
- Monday – Friday9:00 – 20:00
- Saturday10:00 – 15:00
- Sunday10:00 – 15:00
We can't offer crisis support. If you're in danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123, or NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health). See our crisis support page for more.