OVERVIEW

 There has been a dramatic decline in the recognition, influence and  standing of psychoanalysis in the mind of the public. This is largely  based on old stereotypes that do not reflect the enormous changes our field has undergone in recent years. Psychoanalysis Now is a new national group, currently with over 130 members, whose goal is to inform the  public about these changes and return psychoanalytic work to its appropriate place as a prime approach for the alleviation of emotional  suffering. 

Toward that end, we recently surveyed 400 psychoanalysts from around the  country. We found striking information about the ways in which  psychoanalysts practice, ranging from frequency of meeting with patients  (it's not just 3-5 times weekly any more), use of a couch (most  analysts see at least some of their patients via phone or Internet), and  more.  The complete findings are summarized in the section labeled "Survey Results" (click the menu in the upper left corner to go to that page). 

We have also been very concerned about the widespread myth that psychoanalytic work is not "evidence-based".  There is a large body of scientific literature that shows the opposite: that psychoanalytic treatment is at least equal to short-term cognitive-behavioral approaches (CBT)  over the short term but, more important, has far better long-term outcomes than CBT.  Indeed, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic treatment outcomes continue to improve after conclusion of therapy, in contrast with CBT outcomes which fall rapidly at termination.  This repeated finding makes sense because it is the difference between treating symptoms of a problem and treating the problem itself.   For a brief summary of these findings and a list of some of the many scientific references that have showed these results, see the page titled "Evidence" by clicking its name on the menu at the top left of this page.