Upsetting Psychotherapy; October 2005; Scientific American Mind; by Jamie Talan; 2 Page(s)

Wendy spent five years in psychoanalysis, delving so deeply into her mind that she could no longer see the connection between her adult problems and her teenage episodes of "cutting" her wrists. After she and her analyst had their final session, during which he welcomed her to move on with her life, Wendy was not completely happy, but she was happier than she ever had been. And that, psychologists say, is successful therapy.

Psychoanalysis probes the unconscious mind to unlock the mysteries that drive conscious emotions and behavior. The discipline is built on pillars set by Sigmund Freud a century ago. It is characterized by frequent sessions that can take place over many years, wherein patients are encouraged to freely associate whatever comes to mind as the analyst sits quietly and listens.