psychoanalysis

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A family of theories and methods within the field of psychotherapy that work to find connections among patients' unconscious mental processes.

   “To be sure, this much I may presume you do know, namely, that psychoanalysis is a method of treating nervous patients medically.”

   “Psychoanalysis has sprung many surprises on us, performed more than one volte face before our indignant eyes.”

   “Psychoanalysis, the modern science of reading dreams, has taught us to take heed of these unsubstantial images. Also it has found a way to let them do their work.”

   “Because psychophobia is so endemic to human nature, the process of psychoanalysis involves a continual exploration of the patient’s resistance to knowing what is dreaded in the unconscious mind.”