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How to become A Psychoanalyst

Health Science

A word can be worth a thousand pictures. Trained in mental healthcare, Psychoanalysts use talk therapy and psychological theories initiated by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, to facilitate one’s unconscious to rise into conscious awareness. Daily interactions and experiences reveal but the tip of... Continue Reading

Skills a career as a Psychoanalyst requires: Psychology Pharmacology Psychotherapy Medicine Psychiatry View more skills
Psychoanalyst salary
$81,040
USAUSA
£50,441
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Psychoanalyst
  • What does a Psychoanalyst do?
  • Psychoanalyst Work Environment
  • Skills for a Psychoanalyst
  • Work Experience for a Psychoanalyst
  • Recommended Qualifications for a Psychoanalyst
  • Psychoanalyst Career Path
  • Psychoanalyst Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Psychoanalyst

A word can be worth a thousand pictures. Trained in mental healthcare, Psychoanalysts use talk therapy and psychological theories initiated by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, to facilitate one’s unconscious to rise into conscious awareness. Daily interactions and experiences reveal but the tip of the iceberg. By delving deeper into the human psyche, psychoanalysis traces patterns in a patient’s thoughts, behaviours and relationships to identify the changes one can make to enhance long-term joy.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Psychotherapist
  • Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
  • Psychoanalytic Practitioner 
  • Jungian Analyst 
  • Lacanian Psychoanalyst

 

What does a Psychoanalyst do?

What are the typical responsibilities of a Psychoanalyst?

  • Provide therapy in individual, couples or group sessions to patients of various ages, helping them navigate mental, emotional and behavioural issues by tapping into their unconscious mind to make conscious positive changes
  • Meet and speak with patients to conduct a preliminary evaluation of their mental and emotional well-being and whether they may benefit from psychoanalytic sessions
  • Conduct a psychoanalytic evaluation using a battery of tests to diagnose emotional and mental health disorders, arrive at the appropriate therapy and advise the patient’s healthcare team and caregivers about the action plan 
  • Engage in talk therapy with the patient for the length of time and number of sessions required to observe and learn about their life and inner thought processes and emotions
  • Use psychoanalytic techniques and theories to assist patients in identifying, examining, understanding and tackling the unconscious and subconscious influences in their lives, including their behaviours, thoughts and emotions
  • Help the patient work towards constructive changes and lasting improvements that will enhance the overall quality of their lives
  • Refer to other specialists if required; recommend admission into a hospital or specialised mental healthcare facility in case the patient’s condition deteriorates and poses a threat to their safety or to that of others 
  • Establish and maintain strict patient confidentiality unless legally required to report information
  • Admit patients to mental health facilities or hospitals in emergencies or when they are a threat to themselves or others
  • Keep extensive notes of each session, recording their observations and impressions, what their patients said, the treatments tried and their outcomes.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as billing, scheduling and insurance communication if running a private practice
  • Conduct research in the form of case studies of clients or experiments and publish their results
  • Take up various other roles in related fields, such as consulting for the corporate sector, educational institutions, legal firms and courts or write books, articles and blogs
  • Remain updated on new research findings and psychoanalysis techniques that emerge within the scientific community

 

Psychoanalyst Work Environment

A quiet, pleasant and comfortable office space, free from interruptions to the session, is critical to a Psychoanalyst’s work, which is mainly to treat patients. Patients may be asked to lie on a couch while the therapist is seated behind them but close enough to hear them talk and observe them.

If you work at mental health or other healthcare facilities, you will likely be allotted your room for consultation and sessions with patients or share it with other staff by turns. You will purchase or rent space to meet and treat patients if you have established your private practice. If you join a group practice by partnering with other healthcare professionals, you will likely have a room in a shared but private office space or take turns using it. 

The pandemic generated the need to conduct and adapt to online sessions, making it possible for Psychoanalysts to work remotely and for patients to stay in their own homes.

If you freelance, you will need to commute to and between your places of work. You may also need to travel to attend conferences and training programs.

Work Schedule

Psychoanalysts typically keep regular office hours from 9 am to 5 pm. However, those in private practice may accommodate patients in the evenings or on weekends and holidays. Since self-employment is predominant in this field, the number of clients may determine the hours Psychoanalysts choose to work. Freelancing Psychoanalysts may have relative flexibility over their work schedules.

Employers

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Psychoanalysts can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Psychoanalysts are generally employed by:

  • Mental Healthcare Facilities
  • Psychiatric Clinics
  • Healthcare Facilities
  • Educational Institutions
  • Specialist Schools
  • Businesses
  • Child Guidance Clinics
  • Armed Forces
  • Sports Organisations
  • Legal Firms & Courts
  • Prisons
  • Social Welfare Organisations

 

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA), are crucial for Psychoanalysts interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges
  • A long-term treatment method, often needing years to achieve its goal and requiring clients and therapists to commit to several sessions every week 
  • Building trust with clients, inspiring their dedication to the treatment and maintaining confidentiality
  • Being indoors much of the time holding client sessions and needing the effort to re-engage with the external world
  • Taking care of your mental and emotional health and staying detached and stressfree while empathetically helping others deal with their emotional issues, some of which may be severe
  • Tackling aggressive patients or any emergencies that may arise and ensuring the safety of all concerned

 

Work Experience for a Psychoanalyst

One of the best introductions to a career in mental health is to vol­unteer at a local hospital, clinic, or nursing home. While at college or university, you can join psychology-related societies to meet people with similar interests.

 

Any academic program that a potential Psychoanalyst takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Look for internships or residencies with local therapists that will allow you to work with patients while under professional supervision.

 

Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term paid/voluntary work also offer a taste of the career, give valuable insight into how a healthcare institution or practice operates, help build valuable contacts and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job. 

 

The experience may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.

 

Experience in social work, counselling or psychiatry demonstrates your interest and dedication to the profession. It allows you to understand what it is like to work around other healthcare professionals and patients. In addition, working with a diverse range of clients helps you understand different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Psychoanalyst. For those with a non-clinical but related academic background, honorary work in mental healthcare services may offer some work experience.

 

To be certified, Psychoanalysts typically require experience as a practising therapist, applying psychoanalytical theories and practices to treating patients. While engaged as hospital interns, counsellors or social workers, you may practise on patients with their permission.

 

You may also need to conduct a detailed self-psychoanalysis and present a written account as required by the training program you aim to join, working under a qualified Psychoanalyst’s care. Trying out the process on yourself helps you understand it from the perspective of patients and develop empathy for them. An added advantage is that you may identify your innermost thought processes, behaviour patterns and unconscious communication, thereby finding ways to improve your interaction with prospective clients.

 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in Psychoanalysis to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

 

Recommended Qualifications for a Psychoanalyst

Since there is typically no degree offering specialisation in psychoanalysis, aspiring Psychoanalysts must begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or related subjects. Premed studies are also helpful in building a base for further studies in psychoanalysis. Consider applying to schools that offer degrees or coursework in clinical psychology or social psychology, which allow you to take classes relevant to psychoanalysis. 


Aspiring Psychoanalysts must typically receive specialised training in psychoanalysis at accredited institutes or organisations. 

Applicants may qualify for the training program if they have a degree in medicine/osteopathic medicine and have completed or are doing their residency in psychiatry, both of which build knowledge of the chemical and biological responses relevant to mental health. 

Or they may hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, social work or another mental health-related field. You may also consider a PhD in philosophy with a focus on clinical studies through which you will learn about various psychological approaches and mental health conditions you will likely encounter during practice. 

A third option is to have a master’s degree in child or human development, marriage & family therapy, mental health counselling, substance abuse counselling and psychiatric nursing, with additional coursework and clinical work. In addition to being academically qualified, you must also be an experienced healthcare practitioner.

 

Depending on location, some institutes may not mandate a background in psychology-related fields or clinical experience. Based on a preliminary interview, they may accept candidates into their training programs from various fields depending on other factors, such as commitment, enthusiasm, and a curiosity to explore the unconscious mind. Selected candidates may be guided on how and where to earn clinical experience if they do not already possess it.

 

The training in psychoanalysis, which may last three to four years, will likely entail a detailed personal analysis, academic instruction and supervised clinical training in psychoanalysis. The clinical component allows you to perform intensive treatment of patients under expert supervision. You can make connections between classroom learning and clinical applications through discussions based on theory and practice. Personal therapy fosters self-awareness and empathy. You may specialise in adult or child & adolescent psychoanalytic training, psychoanalytic psychotherapy training, and psychoanalytic research & academic training.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

 

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field. 

 

Take preparatory high school courses that strengthen your knowledge base to study and practise psychoanalysis, such as psychology, sociology, chemistry and biology. Literature, art and speech courses are also helpful for aspiring Psychoanalysts.

 

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Certification demonstrates a Psychoanalyst’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

 

Most professionals pursue certifications in psychoanalysis to build or diversify their existing careers in psychiatry, social psychology, counselling or social work. However, certification by accredited professional organisations typically requires prior mental health education and experience as well as psychoanalytic education, training and experience.

 

Before becoming a certified Psychoanalyst, you may also need to ensure that you have the licence to practice as a therapist. It is possible to fulfil the clinical requirements to become a therapist during your master’s or PhD program. In addition to relevant education and experience, licensure requires an application, processing fees and an examination. Check with local or national mental health organisations to determine the specific licensure requirements for a therapist, which will lead you to certification as a Psychoanalyst.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

 

Psychoanalyst Career Path

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

 

Psychoanalysts may work as Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers or Youth Workers. They may focus further training and practice on particular issues, such as substance abuse or trauma, or types of patients, such as adults, children, athletes or married couples, or specific subfields, such as forensic psychiatry.

 

Since psychoanalysis is a method of treatment and a psychological theory, related fields also offer ample scope into which Psychoanalysts may diversify without engaging in patient care in a clinical capacity. Such avenues may fall in the realm of "applied psychoanalysis", as the theory finds application in fields other than direct therapy. 

For instance, Psychoanalysts may work as Consultants for schools, helping them develop student mental health programs, tackling the issues of bullying and violence, and mediating disputes. They may also assist school teachers, staff and management in addressing behavioural problems among students, support students in optimising their performance and guide parents in supporting their children’s academic journey.

Some Psychoanalysts may work as Organisational/Corporate Consultants, helping businesses navigate changes in their structure or culture and ensuring high levels of employee motivation. Another area of applied psychoanalysis is the legal field, where you may work with law firms or as a Jury Consultant.

Backed by extensive experience in the field, you may shift to academia and research at universities to further develop the world's understanding of the human psyche.

Sports, the arts, media and economics are additional avenues you can engage with as a Psychoanalyst. You may also enter into authorship and publishing, providing insights into psychoanalysis by writing books, blogs or articles on its theories, principles, and methods, which may help explain significant events in history, contemporary politics and society.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable and transferable skills along the way.

Job Prospects

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, education, training and certification in psychoanalysis have the best job prospects.

Psychoanalyst Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Psychoanalyst build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Psychoanalysts not only treat patients but also conduct research in the form of case studies and experiments in psychology or psychoanalysis, depending on their background, to contribute to the development of the field.

As practising healthcare professionals, they may also engage in continuing education (CE) and keep up to date with the latest findings, theories and techniques by reading journals, scientific papers and medical publications. Adding to your knowledge will help you provide better treatment to your patients. To renew your certification or keep your licence valid, you will also need to complete work and simultaneously demonstrate the necessary CPD or CE hours by attending lectures, workshops and seminars held by professional bodies.

Learn More

 

The Id, Ego and Superego

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, studied the different facets of the mind and developed the concepts of the id, the ego, and the superego to explain the human psyche. According to Freud, these three are the separate but interacting components of the human personality. The id correlates with human instincts, the ego with reality, and the superego with morality. The id and the superego function at the unconscious level, while the ego operates at the conscious level. Together, they contribute to an individual’s behaviour. 

 

The Principles of Psychoanalysis


Psychoanalysis rests on certain fundamental tenets. Firstly, the unconscious influences behaviour. Secondly, conflicts between one’s conscious and unconscious minds are often the root of mental and emotional health and behavioural issues. Experiences and events that occur by age five largely shape an individual’s personality. Defence mechanisms are strategies the unconscious generates to protect individuals against their anxious thoughts or feelings or to help them navigate unpleasant experiences or uncomfortable situations. 

 

What Conditions & Diseases Does Psychoanalysis Treat? 

 

Psychoanalysis contributes to treating an individual’s emotional and mental health. Given below are some areas in which it which is commonly used. 

  • Abuse and neglect of any kind at any age
  • Addictions of various kinds
  • Childhood and adolescent problems, such as self-esteem issues
  • Eating disorders
  • Mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, fantasies, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder
  • Personality disorders
  • Identity disorders
  • Relationship problems
  • Sexual issues and disorders
  • Sleep disorders 
  • Trauma and major life issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Persistent psychological problems
  • Psychosomatic disorders
  • Self-destructive behaviours

 

Psychoanalytic Testing

 

A psychoanalytic clinical assessment is a critical tool that helps a Psychoanalyst diagnose patients and offer treatment options. Typically, such an assessment can last a few months. It assesses a patient’s strengths, such as motivation and the potential capability to self-observe and resolve internal conflict, and identifies weaknesses or vulnerabilities, such as unconscious conflicts and ego functions. Depending on your background, you may add further tests to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. For instance, if you have a background in psychology, you may supplement psychoanalytic testing with psychological personality tests.

 

Some Tools a Psychoanalyst Uses

 

Dream analysis involves recording and interpreting dreams as a way to reveal and understand unconscious thoughts. 

 

Free association encourages patients to speak what first comes to mind, with or without a prompt. Such spontaneous conversations and perhaps any Freudian slips that occur enable a Psychoanalyst to identify recurring themes in what patients say and thereby better understand their unconscious mind. 

 

Interpretation is a process in which a patient shares memories and experiences with a Psychoanalyst. Together, they analyse how past behaviours and feelings may affect how patients currently behave or view life or any unconscious biases or motivation they need to recognise.

 

Transference occurs when a patient transfers their past feelings for others to their Psychoanalyst, giving the therapist a chance to assess the unconscious dynamics in the patient’s life.

 

Some Skills Psychoanalysts Need

 

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Keen observation of behaviour through what is spoken and unspoken 
  • Research and study skills
  • Communication with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Open-mindedness to tackle prejudice and oppression
  • Emotional resilience & maturity
  • Independent and teamwork
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Responsibility and professionalism
  • Empathy
  • Objectivity
  • Emotional resilience and maturity
  • Self-awareness

Psychotherapy

Whether conducted one-on-one or with groups, couples or families, psychotherapy aims to help patients overcome diverse emotional, mental and behavioural issues, such as stress, relationship troubles or addictions. Psychoanalysis is one of the approaches used and includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, systemic & family psychotherapy, arts & play therapy, humanistic & integrative psychotherapies, hypno-psychotherapy and experiential, constructivist therapies.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health professional may practise as a psychotherapist, having acquired specialist training in psychotherapy. Or they may have a different background but received intensive training in the area. Medical psychotherapists are qualified doctors who have specialised in psychiatry, followed by a specialist training program for three or four years in psychotherapy.

Psychoanalyst vs Psychologist & Psychiatrist 

Psychologists and psychiatrists may practise psychoanalysis, one of the approaches of psychotherapy. Psychologists typically acquire doctoral degrees in psychology to become qualified mental health professionals. Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors specialising in treating mental health problems and can prescribe medication. Psychoanalysts practise psychotherapeutic techniques built on the foundation of Freud’s theories that have evolved. 

These mental healthcare professionals typically employ a similar process that begins with meeting with patients to ask them questions and listen to their answers to develop strategies to resolve their issues or help them feel better. However, the difference may lie in the questions asked and the solutions offered. 

Psychologists typically seek to equip their patients with tools and strategies to help them confront their fears, anxieties, depression and other mental health issues, mental illnesses or post-traumatic stress disorder or learn to ease up and enjoy life as it comes. While some psychologists explore their patients’ history, most employ a proactive approach or cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) based on the idea that since thoughts influence emotions more than situations, changing one’s thinking and behavioural patterns can enhance the quality of life by relieving depression and anxiety and fostering joy. CBT can be considered a practical, science-based and standardised approach. 

Psychiatrists are qualified to deliver medical treatment, including medication and brain stimulation therapies, supplemented with psychotherapy, as needed. In other words, they tackle their patients’ physical and mental health and their mutual impact on each other and develop a suitable treatment. They also tackle sudden or urgent mental health issues, helping patients manage them in the long run, and recommend lifestyle changes to adapt to complex conditions. 

However, to practise as certified Psychoanalysts, all mental healthcare professionals must undertake the relevant training programs offered by accredited institutes after fulfilling the mandatory entry requirements and qualifying for certification.

Psychoanalyst vs Psychologist & Psychiatrist

 

Psychologists and psychiatrists may practise psychoanalysis, one of the approaches of psychotherapy. Psychologists typically acquire doctoral degrees in psychology to become qualified mental health professionals. Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors specialising in treating mental health problems and can prescribe medication. Psychoanalysts practise psychotherapeutic techniques built on the foundation of Freud’s theories that have evolved.

 

These mental healthcare professionals typically employ a similar process that begins with meeting with patients to ask them questions and listen to their answers with the aim to develop strategies to resolve their issues or help them feel better. However, the difference may lie in the questions asked and the solutions offered.

 

Psychologists typically seek to equip their patients with tools and strategies to help them confront their fears, anxieties, depression and other mental health issues, mental illnesses or post-traumatic stress disorder, or learn to ease up and enjoy life as it comes. While some psychologists explore their patients’ history, most employ a proactive approach or cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) based on the idea that since thoughts influence emotions more than situations, changing one’s thinking and behavioural patterns can enhance the quality of life by relieving depression and anxiety and fostering joy. CBT can be considered a practical, science-based and standardised approach.

 

Psychiatrists are qualified to deliver medical treatment, including medication and brain stimulation therapies, supplemented with psychotherapy, as needed. In other words, they tackle their patients’ physical and mental health and their mutual impact on each other and develop a suitable treatment. They also tackle sudden or urgent mental health issues, helping patients manage them in the long run, and recommend lifestyle changes to adapt to complex conditions.

 

However, to practise as certified Psychoanalysts, all mental healthcare professionals must undertake the relevant training programs offered by accredited institutes after fulfilling the mandatory entry requirements, and thereby qualify for certification.

 

Some Benefits & Limitations of Psychoanalysis

 

Psychoanalysis seeks to arrive at the root of issues and not merely skim the surface by tackling the symptoms. As a result, patients who may not succeed with conventional therapy or medications may benefit from the deeper insights that emerge to explain thoughts, emotions and behavioural patterns. It helps that at least some of Freud’s theories have found support in biological research. Self-examination through psychoanalysis may foster evolution over time. 

 

However, some concepts of psychoanalysis are outdated. Moreover, repressed feelings can be painful for patients to acknowledge, and they may not wish to go on with the treatment or feel uncomfortable and scared doing so. Some mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may not have an appropriate resolution in psychoanalysis. Also, the treatment may be long-drawn and expensive, demanding intense commitment and focus on the part of Psychoanalysts and patients.

 

Current Scenario

 

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

 

Freelancing Psychoanalysts have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

 

On the other hand, a full-time Psychoanalyst has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

 

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

 

 

Conclusion

What meets the eye may not tell the whole story. Psychoanalysts aim to plumb the depths of the human psyche, listening attentively to and perceptively observing their patients to identify connections between verbal and non-verbal cues and the workings of their unconscious minds. The goal is to facilitate patients in discovering and understanding their innermost thought processes, feelings and behaviour patterns to begin resolving their mental health or emotional issues. It is rewarding, if challenging, to see your patients benefit from your knowledge and skills in psychoanalytic treatment.

Advice from the Wise

It is a tall order you must fulfil - staying unbiased and non-judgmental while being compassionate and empathetic and not letting your client’s emotional stress affect your well-being. Eat well, exercise, meditate, practise a hobby and keep a journal. Do what it takes to regain or keep your composure and clarity. Use your support network and take sessions with your therapist or supervisor.

Did you know?

Psychological tests, such as the projective Rorschach Inkblot Test, are typically administered as part of a battery of tests to assess an individual’s personality and intelligence.

Introduction - Psychoanalyst
What does a Psychoanalyst do?

What do Psychoanalysts do?
A Psychoanalyst would typically need to:

  • Provide therapy in individual, couples or group sessions to patients of various ages, helping them navigate mental, emotional and behavioural issues by tapping into their unconscious mind to make conscious positive changes
  • Meet and speak with patients to conduct a preliminary evaluation of their mental and emotional well-being and whether they may benefit from psychoanalytic sessions
  • Conduct a psychoanalytic evaluation using a battery of tests to diagnose emotional and mental health disorders, arrive at the appropriate therapy and advise the patient’s healthcare team and caregivers about the action plan 
  • Engage in talk therapy with the patient for the length of time and number of sessions required to observe and learn about their life and inner thought processes and emotions
  • Use psychoanalytic techniques and theories to assist patients in identifying, examining, understanding and tackling the unconscious and subconscious influences in their lives, including their behaviours, thoughts and emotions
  • Help the patient work towards constructive changes and lasting improvements that will enhance the overall quality of their lives
  • Refer to other specialists if required; recommend admission into a hospital or specialised mental healthcare facility in case the patient’s condition deteriorates and poses a threat to their safety or to that of others 
  • Establish and maintain strict patient confidentiality unless legally required to report information
  • Admit patients to mental health facilities or hospitals in emergencies or when they are a threat to themselves or others
  • Keep extensive notes of each session, recording their observations and impressions, what their patients said, the treatments tried and their outcomes.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as billing, scheduling and insurance communication if running a private practice
  • Conduct research in the form of case studies of clients or experiments and publish their results
  • Take up various other roles in related fields, such as consulting for the corporate sector, educational institutions, legal firms and courts or write books, articles and blogs
  • Remain updated on new research findings and psychoanalysis techniques that emerge within the scientific community

 

Psychoanalyst Work Environment
Work Experience for a Psychoanalyst
Recommended Qualifications for a Psychoanalyst
Psychoanalyst Career Path
Psychoanalyst Professional Development
Learn More
Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
Good Health and Well-being Gender Equality Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions