Introduction

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is one of many possible treatments proven to be helpful to people who have experienced sexual and physical abuse and neglect in their childhood. Psychoanalytic psychotherapies can be integrated into a stepped care approach to the treatment of people who have experienced sexual and physical abuse and neglect in their childhood. This guideline covers the use of psychoanalytic psychotherapies in the treatment and care of individuals who have experienced sexual and associated abuse and neglect in their childhood. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy involves a therapist listening to the individual’s experiences. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can continue for one or several years, or may be shorter term. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy may take place one-to-one, with couples, families, or in groups. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be especially useful in helping people with long-term or recurring problems to get to the root of their difficulties and, through understanding, to change destructive ways of relating to themselves and others.