The Psychoanalytic Couch

It's time to retire the couch in my office.

The couch I have is soft and cozy, helping to bring the necessary comfort and regression for psychoanalysis. But it is also sturdy for when I do play therapy with kids. The cushions can be used as "warrior shields", "magic carpets" and other such symbolic things - and the sofa, itself, makes a great "fortress", "boat" and other inventions the kids create. But it's looking worn and tattered, so it's time to buy a new one.

But buying a psychoanalytic couch is not an easy thing. A lot of thought has to go into what style, texture, height, width and depth is best. The psychoanalytic couch needs to make a patient feel comfortable not vulnerable, so like Goldilocks, I will be trying out many until I find the one that is "just right".

This is a photo Freud's couch.

I can go to the Analytic Couch Company that specializes in the manufacturing of the proverbial psychoanalytic furniture and get a replica (see below) for around $12,000.00 dollars. Um...no disrespect, but that's waaaaay too expensive.

This couch below has a warm texture and looks sturdy, but I have no idea where it comes from. The person reclining on it is Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón, who is a huge fan of psychoanalysis. Maybe I can contact him and ask where they got the couch for the photo shoot that went along with this New York Times story.

Then there are sofas that are just plain silly.



or too industrial



or too modern




Hmmmm...I'll have to keep searching.




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