ABSTRACT
It is widely assumed that psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy, and, like all therapies, is centrally involved with the accurate diagnosis of mental disorders and the provision of effective treatment for them. In this context, like all mental health professions, psychoanalysis aims to identify and explore the presenting pathology and enable the patient to work productively with their symptoms. Its clinical journey is therefore clearly signposted from sickness to health, though there are some acceptable alternative therapeutic routes, such as social adaptation, work-life balance (well-being), or learning to live ‘well’ between others and your symptom.
