It’s not uncommon for people to use the two terms interchangeably, eventgually referring to a psychoanalyst as a psychotherapist. And, although psychotherapies and psychoanalysis can both lend themselves to the care of the person, there are fundamental differences that should be addressed:
Therapy
In psychotherapies, the focus is usually on solving specific short-term problems — for example, reducing symptoms or modifying unwanted behaviours. These therapeutic approaches may employ a variety of techniques and approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or group therapy. The objective is always to promote concrete behavioural and emotional changes in the patient. They contemplate the therapist being the holder of a greater knowledge and thus guiding the patient.
Analysis
In psychoanalysis, on the other hand, the premise is that manifestations understood as unpleasant are structured in the patient’s unconscious. Psychoanalysis seeks to explore the unconscious and past experiences of an analysand, aiming for a deeper and more lasting understanding of the patient. Psychoanalysis sessions are often less structured, allowing the patient to freely explore their thoughts, feelings and fantasies. Furthermore, psychoanalysis tends to be a longer and more intensive process.
In a simplistic comparison that I have already used in conversations with patients and other people, it’s as if psychotherapies helped us evacuate a house in the event of a fire, and eventually put out that fire. Psychoanalysis, however, allows us to identify the short-circuit that started the fire.
Alan Seabra 