Found 2 items, similar to psychoanalysis.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: psychoanalysis psychoanalysis n : a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud; “his physician recommended psychoanalysis” [syn: analysis, depth psychology]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis \Psy`cho*a*nal"y*sis\, n. 1. A method or process of psychotherapeutic analysis and treatment pf psychoneuroses, based on the work of Dr. Sigmund Freud (1856- 1939) of Vienna. The method rests upon the theory that neurosis is characteristically due to repression of desires consciously rejected but subconsciously persistent; it consists in a close analysis of the patient's mental history, effort being made to bring unconsciuos and preconscious material to consciousness; the methods include analysis of transferance and resistance. In some variants, stress is laid upon the dream life, and of treatment by means of suggestion. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC] 2. The theory of human psychology which is the foundation for the psychoanalytic therapy, which explores the relation between conscious and unconscious mental processes in motivating human behavior and causing neuroses. [PJC] 3. An integrated set of theories of human personality development, motivation, and behavior based on a body of observations. --[Stedman] [PJC] 4. One of several schools of psychotherapy, such as jungian psychoanalysis or freudian psychoanalysis. --[Stedman] [PJC] -- Psy`cho*an`a*lyt"ic, a.; Psych`o*an"al*ist, n., etc. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]