I Know The Theory And I Can’t Put It Into Practice
There are many people who suffer from mental suffering. It may be for a clear and specific reason, or the person may not know how to define what this suffering is and it may not be for something specific. And there are no fewer people who try to find a solution on their own or by asking for help, but are unable to do so. And so they live trapped in suffering, or going out and stumbling over the same stone again and again.
In this attempt to live better, Many patients come to the therapy consultation who consider that they know the theory but cannot put it into practice What do you think is happening in those cases? Do you think it’s a matter of lack of motivation, not having enough willpower, some kind of deficiency…?
Generally, those who consider going to see a psychoanalyst, in addition to something happening 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, although it is not be aware of it. Precisely the effectiveness of psychoanalysis is based on the gain of freedom that comes with separating ourselves 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 era in which we live, a lot of value is given to what is objective and there is hardly any room for what is subjective or intangible, which does not mean that it does not exist.
That is why it is not about putting more effort into accumulating theory or knowledge It is about making the experience of analysis, an experience of being, and that will have the effect that the patient’s life flows in a different way.
What to expect from psychoanalytic treatment?
Explaining what psychoanalysis is would be too complex for an article of these characteristics. To make it more understandable what it is about, I find it easier to start by talking about what psychoanalysis is not. So I will comment on some aspects that you will surely not find when going to a psychoanalyst.
You do not have to fill out questionnaires, you do not have to pass any tests, you do not receive an evaluation, you do not keep a list of tasks to do, nor do self-registrations. They are not didactic or motivational talks either, not even the psychoanalyst says what to do. The psychoanalyst does not scold, judge, give advice, make decisions for you, or get upset with you. The psychoanalyst directs the cure but does not direct the patient’s consciousness or actions.
The development of the sessions is a job for two. The psychoanalyst does his job, and the patient has to do his. The psychoanalyst offers a unique place to the subject’s words, listening in the best possible way so that they can be found, thought, and heard there. Is a space to talk about what makes us suffer, to know why and why 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. Things said in the presence of the analyst produce a different resonance, and one realizes things that he knew but that went unnoticed.
How long does the treatment last?
As it is not a standard cure, nor does it sell certainty and guarantees that are so fashionable today, (such as: in 8 sessions we guarantee results), as it is rather a very artisanal work in the sense of being very personalized and elaborate, haste plays a disservice. The time will have to be what it has to be, and at the unique pace of each patient we will build a path that is more peaceful to travel. It is not a short treatment, nor is it endless, the end of the analysis will come, if the patient has not abandoned the treatment, when he has worked through his conflicts and is satisfied.
It is certainly an experience that does not leave anyone who decides to do it indifferent. It brings a self-knowledge and a way of thinking that will last forever. And not only that, promotes everything that is more on the side of life
With the only tool of words, what many would call magic is produced, enough change for one to become kinder and the world less inhospitable. And the thing is, the human being, in addition to being made of muscles, bones, organs… is made of words.
