The Psychoanalytic Referral Service (PRS) has been providing referral for psychoanalysis and psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children in the Northwest for 40 years. The professionals associated with PRS are fully trained and licensed mental health professionals from all the major mental health disciplines (psychiatry, psychology, social work, and nursing) who are pursuing, or have completed, advanced specialized training in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

If you are thinking about Psychoanalysis,

here are some question you might be asking ......

What is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis is a highly specialized treatment based on the observation that people are often unaware of the many factors that determine their emotions and behavior.  Because it addresses core problems as well as symptoms, psychoanalysis is a comprehensive treatment for many psychological and emotional difficulties in appropriate individuals.  It enables people to become aware of the inner forces that guide life and helps master those inner forces that are out of conscious control.  The goal is to bring about health through better self-understanding. 

Is it for me?

Psychoanalysis may be uniquely helpful for individuals of any age - children, adolescents and adults - who have achieved satisfaction in certain areas but still suffer from difficulties with relationships or full use of their creativity.  The difficulty may be a pattern of self-defeating behavior or failure to obtain meaningful satisfaction from relationships or work.  These difficulties may relate to ongoing psychological conflicts or to past relationships that were abusive or neglectful.  Symptoms of these difficulties may be long standing and may include, to name a few, depression, anxiety low self-esteem, or physical symptoms with psychological aspects.  In successful treatment, as symptoms come under control and conflict and trauma resolve, capacity to work, love, and relate can expand in a deep and abiding manner. 

How does psychoanalysis work?

While meeting frequently and regularly with a psychoanalyst in a quiet and safe setting, you are encouraged to talk about whatever is on your mind - everyday life, dreams, feelings or any other thoughts that may come to mind.  In this atmosphere, you learn about the inner conflicts you have built up over the years and how these have affected your life.  As you become increasingly aware of the nature of these conflicts and their effects, other solutions to your conflicts may be developed.  You can become freer and emotionally healthier as you are able to apply some of these new solutions. 

Essentially, psychoanalysis is a collaborative relationship between you and your analyst, which can ease cramped life patterns and relieve symptoms.  Over time, the understandings reached during treatment may affect many aspects of your life, leading to changes in behavior, relationships, and sense of self. 

Who are psychoanalysts?

Psychoanalysts are physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, registered nurses, and mental health counselors who have completed their professional training before they undertake psychoanalytic training.

Typically, such training is lengthy, lasting six to ten years.  Psychoanalysts are the only mental health professional for whom undergoing a personal psychoanalysis is a required part of professional training. 

What are the benefits of psychoanalysis?

People find that they may improve their relationship and attain greater inner freedom.  This can lead to a more pleasurable life with increased energy and greater creativity and fulfillment.  People can work better to achieve their goals.  Because of these changes, psychoanalysis may also have a profound effect on spouses, children, other relatives, friends, and work colleagues.  

What does psychoanalysis cost?

Fees are based on your ability to pay, as well as clinician availability.  All treatment will occur in the private offices of independent psychoanalysts and psychoanalysts in training in the greater Puget Sound metropolitan area.

How do I arrange for psychoanalytic treatment?

Please call 206-328-5315 to leave a confidential message about your interest in psychoanalysis.  We will contact you promptly to help you decide if psychoanalysis is right for you.  If psychoanalysis is not appropriate, we may be able to help you find appropriate treatment with other mental health professionals. 

What is the SPSI Psychoanalytic Referral Service?

The Referral Service puts interested individuals in contact with psychoanalytic clinicians who have their own private practices, and are either pursuing or completed psychoanalytic training at The Seattle Psychoanalytic Institute and Society. 

The Referral Service does not provide psychoanalytic treatment directly.