[noncount] : a method of explaining and treating mental and emotional problems by having the patient talk about dreams, feelings, memories, etc. ▪ The doctor recommended psychoanalysis.
— psy·cho·an·a·lyt·ic/ˌsaɪkoʊˌænəˈlɪtɪk/alsopsy·cho·an·a·lyt·i·cal/ˌsaɪkoʊˌænəˈlɪtɪkəl/adjective ▪psychoanalytic explanations of behavior▪ She studied psychoanalytic theory.