Psychodynamic theory focuses on exposing unconscious relations through a process of seemingly irrelevant associations. While the relationship between these associations is not apparent to the patient, the analyst uses them to expose the subject's unconscious patterns of thought that they do not seemingly use or that prevent expression of their true desires.

The most basic method of psychoanalysis is free association in which the patient says anything that remotely crosses their mind. While this can include dreams, fantasy and other elaborate descriptions, it may also be a free association of words or concepts. Meanwhile, the analyst simply listens, taking notes and looking for hidden connections between the ideas presented by the patient. It is these relationships between ideas that are the focus of the analyst, and which profoundly impact the patient's behavior. Whether the analysis is simply for research or treatment, the analyst will remain aloof from the...