Couch (psychoanalytic)

In psychoanalysis, the term "couch" often refers to the psychoanalytic couch where patients lie during therapy sessions. This setup helps facilitate free association, allowing individuals to relax and speak more openly about their thoughts, feelings, and memories without direct eye contact with the therapist. The couch serves as a symbolic space for exploring the unconscious mind, enabling insights into internal conflicts and past experiences. It’s a practical tool designed to promote introspection and emotional expression, helping patients access deeper levels of their psyche in a supportive environment.