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

I keep coming back to psychoanalyst Karen Horney’s 1950 discussion of neurosis and the professions—how they can attract exactly the wrong people, masquerading ideals they don’t possess.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

During the investigation into the My Lai atrocities, Hersh recalls, his wife, Elizabeth — a psychoanalyst to whom he’s been married for more than 60 years — helped keep him from breaking down.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2025

"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

Apathy is a danger that has always been unfamiliar to me both as a psychoanalyst and as a political activist.

From Salon ● Jan. 14, 2025

Some cretin psychoanalyst would attempt to comprehend the singularity of his worldview.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

• psychotherapist
• therapist