psychoanalyst

American  

[sahy-koh-an-l-ist] / ˌsaɪ koʊˈæn l ɪst /

noun

1. a person trained to practice psychoanalysis.

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Etymology

Origin of psychoanalyst

First recorded in 1910–15; psycho- + analyst

Explanation

A psychoanalyst is a mental health professional who works with clients over a long period of time to get at the root causes of their emotional and mental problems. Ever since Sigmund Freud first developed his theories of psychoanalysis in the 1890s, its practitioners, known as psychoanalysts, have helped people explore the origins of their mental states. Unlike other kinds of therapists, psychoanalysts tend to focus on dreams and childhood memories and traumas, and they use techniques meant to tap into a client's subconscious. A psychoanalyst is often called an analyst for short.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

psychoanalyst

The Canadian psychoanalyst and management consultant Elliott Jaques is often credited with coining the term “midlife crisis” in 1965.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

“Halfway through my researches,” he writes, “I was told by Maradona’s psychoanalyst that I was in the process of finding out more about Diego than he knew himself.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026

“As a psychoanalyst or psychiatrist ages, we have the ability, through our own life experiences, to be more understanding and more aware,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2026

"These groups are the equivalent of the bistro counter – but with more people," said psychoanalyst Patrick Avrane, author of a book on attitudes to crime.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2025

“It seems to me there must be a psychoanalyst holed up somewhere in town who’d be good for Franny—I thought about that last night.”

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• psychotherapist
• therapist