PSYCHOANALYST

A specially trained therapist who utilizes Freudian theories and practices to treat mental disorders. In the U.S., psychoanalytically training begins with training as psychiatrists and the intensive training continuesat an established psychoanalytic institute. The system in Europe is somewhat different with the allowance of "lay analysts" or other qualified professionals to enter the field. All training, however, is based on a throrough grounding in the theoretical and practical work of Freud.