psychoanalysis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a family of theories and therapeutic methods that interpret unconscious mental processes, conflicts, and motives

   Psychoanalysis challenged the idea that introspection gives complete access to the mind.

2. 2
   noun

   treatment conducted by exploring unconscious associations, dreams, and past experience

   The patient began psychoanalysis with several sessions each week.

Modeled on German Psychoanalyse and formed from psycho- ("mind") + analysis. Sigmund Freud's theories and clinical method established the term internationally around the turn of the twentieth century.

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