Aamir Khan's Daughter Ira Says She’s in Remission After Ending Psychoanalytic Therapy For Depression — What It Means

Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira has opened up about completing her psychoanalysis after eight years, saying she achieved self-growth and mental wellness. The 28-year-old mental health advocate has been open about battling

depression since childhood. Recently, Ira took to Instagram to post a series of photos, expressing her gratitude and excitement as she announced the conclusion of her therapy. “On 13th October, I had my last therapy session. After 3 times a week – for 8 years of psychoanalysis… I’m no longer in therapy. I Graduated from Therapy!” “I’m still on medication, and I probably will be for the foreseeable future. Not being in therapy anymore means that my therapist and I felt confident that I had learned a bunch of things, started living my life more helpfully, and can manage responsibly while remembering to have fun in life,” she added.

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What is psychoanalysis?

According to experts, psychoanalysis is a theory of the human mind and a therapeutic method that explores how unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences influence current behavior. It is a long-term, intensive "talk therapy" which was developed by Sigmund Freud that aims to bring repressed memories and conflicts into conscious awareness to resolve emotional problems and achieve greater personal insight and control. Techniques used include dream interpretation and "free association," where patients talk freely about their thoughts and experiences. Psychoanalytic therapy is used to treat several different psychological conditions, which include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotion struggles or trauma
• Identity problems
• Self-esteem issues
• Self-assertion
• Psychosomatic disorders
• Relationship issues
• Self-destructive behavior
• Sexual issues

How does psychoanalytic therapy benefit?

Experts believe psychoanalytic therapy works in tandem with cognitive behavioural therapy, helping you with:

Focusing on emotions

Psychoanalytic therapy helps you explore your range of emotions freely without judgment

Explores avoidance

Many people suffering from mental health issues avoid certain feelings and thoughts that they find distressing. And so, through psychoanalytic therapy, the reasons can be explored.

Recurring themes identified

Many people who are in depression are aware of their self-destructive behaviour but cannot stop it. And so, therapy helps identify and find a solution to it.

Helps in interpersonal relationships

Through the therapy process, many people can explore their relationships with others, both current and past.

Free-flowing ideas

Where other therapies are often highly structured and goal-oriented, psychoanalytic therapy allows the patient to explore freely. Patients are free to talk about fears, fantasies, desires, and dreams.

What happens during psychoanalysis?

During the therapy, the expert – a therapist or a psychoanalyst sits behind you, mostly out of your line of sight. According to experts, this setup helps you speak freely without distraction. The sessions are held multiple times a week and last less than an hour. During each session, the therapist would encourage you to share whatever comes to mind, including your memories, experiences, dreams, fantasies, or feelings, and guide the conversation. They would work with you through different feelings or memories so you can meet your goals. However, experts say that while opening up fully to a therapist may not be easy, talking about big feelings can make you feel sad, angry, or nervous. It is a normal part of therapy, and sometimes, these feelings can also be intense. You may need to face uncomfortable truths or revisit painful memories from your past.