ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the unconscious mind is the defining aspect of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, as compared to other approaches. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a talking therapy, where words are the currency of communication between patient and therapist. However, alongside the patient’s verbalisations and narratives, it is important for the therapist to listen for what is being unconsciously communicated. The image of an iceberg is often used to represent the way what is conscious and manifest is often only a small part of the communication, the tip of the iceberg so to speak. The patient is encouraged to speak whatever is on their mind, without censor or any agenda. A useful way to allow space and encourage the patient to free associate, is for the therapist to remain relatively silent in order to allow new thoughts to emerge in the patient’s mind. The therapist pays attention to how the patient talks about themselves, others and events in their life.
