Psychoanalyst

/ˌsaɪkoʊˈænəlɪst/ noun

Definition

A mental health professional trained in psychoanalysis, a method of exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings, especially associated with Sigmund Freud.

Etymology

From 'psycho-' (mind, from Greek 'psyche') combined with 'analyst' (one who analyzes, from Greek 'analyein' to break apart). The term was developed in the late 1800s when Freud created the field.

Kelly Says

Freud literally invented psychoanalysis and this word around the 1890s—before that, there was no profession for exploring your unconscious mind! The word 'psyche' is ancient Greek for both 'butterfly' and 'soul,' which Freud would have loved because he thought hidden parts of the mind were beautiful and transformative.

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