Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy for Children

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children is not merely a method of intervention; it is a profound, sensitive, and meaningful way to “listen” to a child’s inner world, even when the child does not yet have the words to describe it. Unlike adults, a child will rarely sit down to explain what is troubling them. Instead, they choose to speak through their drawings, silences, sudden outbursts, dreams, or fears.

In this process, play ceases to be a mere pastime and becomes a language in its own right. The therapy room becomes a safe “in-between space,” where the child can bring their anger, jealousy, sadness, or anxiety. It is a place where imagination and creativity flourish without the rush of the outside world and, above all, without the fear of judgment.

The History Behind the Symptom

This approach, which has its roots in the work of Sigmund Freud and evolved through the significant contributions of Melanie Klein and Donald Winnicott, has taught us to look beyond the surface. In psychoanalytic psychotherapy, we do not evaluate a symptom as something in isolation. Whether it involves anxiety and phobias, or aggression and learning difficulties, our question remains the same: What story does this behavior tell?

We are interested in discovering what need the child is trying to express and what internal conflict lies beneath the surface. Through a stable and safe therapeutic relationship, the child experiences something deeply restorative: they encounter an adult who “can handle” their emotions. A person who is not frightened by the child’s anger, does not reject the child’s sadness, and does not pressure the child to be a “good kid” or to achieve something at all costs. This sense of acceptance creates the inner security that serves as fertile ground for the child’s psychological development.

A Shared Journey with Parents

On this journey, collaboration with parents is an integral and invaluable part. The purpose of the therapeutic process is not to blame or judge parents, but to provide them with meaningful support. Our goal is to help them gain a deeper understanding of their child and discover new, more effective ways to connect with them.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy does not promise magic formulas or quick fixes. It does, however, promise something much more stable and enduring: to help the child get to know themselves, learn to manage their emotions, and build meaningful relationships. The ultimate goal is to develop a vibrant and stable sense of “self”—that is, the strength to stand confidently in the world.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026