They may have difficulties with anxiety and depression, and troubled relationships. The psychoanalytic approach will usually be quite successful in helping these types of patients understand the symbolism of their problems. Sometimes they feel resistant to getting treatment, even though they know intellectually that they need help. When defenses are understood, people can become aware of the unconscious reactions that had caused them suffering or influenced them to make bad decisions. For people who are able to use abstract thinking, organize their thoughts, and maintain a reasonable grasp on reality, psychoanalysis can get to the root of their problems through their verbal interchanges with their analyst.
Patients then can learn about their defenses and their symptoms.
In this way, psychoanalysis helps people resolve their inner conflicts and relieve their inner suffering.