Psychoanalysis is considered the 'grandfather' of psychology. Founded in the 1890s by the world-famous Sigmund Freud, it is the the systematic process of making the unconscious conscious. Unconscious patterns are revealed through the client's (verbal) free associations, usually based on dreams, fantasies, early life memories, etc. The therapist will also examine ways in which the client transfers feelings towards others on to the therapist. The goal in this therapeutic modality is to help liberate the client from deep-seated patterns of relating that are no longer appropriate in the client's life.

Psychoanalysis is considered to be useful in dealing with ingrained problems of intimacy and relationships and for those problems in which established patterns of life are problematic. Traditionally, psychoanalysis requires three to five sessions per week and often takes years to complete. Modern psychoanalysts often find it useful to limit the focus on the client's distant past, and rather focus on the present as well as the client's goals for the future. Therapists will also frequently combine traditional approaches with other treatment modalities (referred to as an 'eclectic' approach); this usually requires fewer sessions and considerably less time.