I know the theory and I can’t put it into practice.

Does feeling psychologically well really depend on accumulating theory and applying it?

There are many people who suffer psychic suffering. It may be for a clear and concrete reason, or it may be that the person does not know how to define what this suffering is and that it is not due to something specific. And there are no fewer people who try to remedy it on their own or by asking for help, but they do not succeed. And so they live trapped in suffering, or going out and stumbling over and over again with the same stone.

In this attempt to live better, many patients come to the therapy office who consider that they know the theory but are unable to put it into practice.What do you think is happening in these cases? Do you think it is a question of lack of motivation, of not having enough willpower, of some kind of deficiency...?

Going beyond theory to feel good

Generally, those who consider going to see a psychoanalyst, besides the fact that something is happening to them that makes them suffer, have the suspicion that it is something that has to do with them, with their way of thinking and doing things, even if they are not aware of it. Precisely the efficacy of psychoanalysis is based on the gain of freedom that comes from separating oneself from those psychic constructions that we have developed since childhood and that no longer serve us, and are preventing us from enjoying life and unfolding other possibilities. It is this invisible entanglement that is the main obstacle between theory and practice.

But in the times in which we live, much value is given to the objectifiable and there is hardly any room for the subjective or intangible, which is not for that reason non-existent.

That is why it is not a question of putting more effort into accumulating theory or knowledge. It is a matter of making the experience of analysis an experience of being, and this will have the effect of making the patient's life flow in a different way.

What to expect from a psychoanalytic treatment?

To explain what psychoanalysis is would be too complex for an article of these characteristics. In order to make it easier to understand what it is all about, I consider it simpler to begin by talking about what psychoanalysis is not. So I will comment on some aspects that you will certainly not find when you go to a psychoanalyst.

There are no questionnaires to fill in, no tests to pass, no evaluation, no to-do list, no self-reporting. Nor are they didactic or motivational talks.nor does the psychoanalyst tell you what to do. The psychoanalyst does not scold, does not judge, does not give advice, does not make decisions for you, and does not get upset with you. The psychoanalyst directs the cure but does not direct the consciousness or the acts of the patient.

The development of the sessions is a work of two. The psychoanalyst does his work, and the patient has to do his. The psychoanalyst offers a unique place to the subject's words, he listens in the best possible way so that he can find himself, think himself, listen to himself. It is a space to talk about what makes us suffer, to know why and for what purpose we do things..

This requires a lot of involvement and commitment, which on the part of the patient, has little to do with just complaining or venting. The things said in the presence of the analyst produce a different resonance, and one becomes aware of things that one knew but had overlooked.

How long does the treatment last?

As this is not a standard treatment, nor selling certainty and guarantees so fashionable today, (of the type: in 8 sessions we guarantee results), as it is rather a very handmade work in the sense of very personalized and elaborate, the rush plays a disservice. The time will have to be as long as it has to be, and at the unique rhythm of each patient we will build a path that is more peaceful to walk. It is not a short treatment, nor is it interminable, the end of the analysis will come, if the patient has not abandoned the treatment, when he/she has elaborated his/her conflicts and is satisfied.

It is certainly an experience that does not leave indifferent those who decide to do it. It brings a knowledge of oneself and a way of thinking that will remain forever. And not only that, it promotes everything that is more on the side of life..

With the only tool of words, what many would call magic is produced, enough to make one become friendlier and the world less inhospitable. And the human being, besides being made of muscles, bones, organs... is made of words.