In psychoanalytic therapy, lying on the couch is a tool that can facilitate important parts of the therapeutic process. It allows for freer association, both for the patient and therapist, and therefore deepens access to unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Defenses, or defense mechanisms, are unconscious forms of protection against overwhelm and anxiety. As we grow, each of us develops a set of defensive strategies that the psyche uses to adapt to and survive experiences of pain, fear, and conflict.

The process of finding a therapist can be full of hope, fear, and questions. By the time you’re seeking therapy, it’s likely that you’ve tried very hard on your own to deal with what you’re experiencing, and one of the most challenging parts of reaching out for help is figuring out who to lean on.