Which of the following individuals would be considered a good candidate for psychoanalysis?

• A. An individual seeking brief, solution-focused therapy for a specific phobia
• B. A person with severe intellectual disability and limited verbal communication skills
• C. An adult with long-standing interpersonal difficulties and a desire to explore unconscious conflicts
• D. A teenager experiencing acute psychotic symptoms and disorganized thinking

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the core purpose of psychoanalysis: it is a therapeutic approach aimed at exploring unconscious conflicts, often rooted in early life experiences, and is typically a long-term process.
2. Identify the characteristics of individuals best suited for psychoanalysis: they usually have complex, deep-seated psychological issues such as long-standing interpersonal difficulties and a motivation to explore unconscious material.
3. Evaluate each option against these criteria: brief, solution-focused therapy for a specific phobia is better suited for cognitive-behavioral therapy rather than psychoanalysis.
4. Consider that individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and limited verbal communication may not benefit from psychoanalysis due to the therapy's reliance on verbal expression and insight.
5. Recognize that acute psychotic symptoms and disorganized thinking often require immediate medical and psychiatric intervention rather than psychoanalysis, which is not designed for crisis stabilization.