1. in psychotherapy, the process by which clients identify, explore, and deal with psychological issues, on both an intellectual and emotional level, through the presentation of such material to and in discussion with the therapist.

2. in psychoanalysis, the process by which patients gradually overcome their resistance to the disclosure of unconscious material; are brought face to face with the repressed feelings, threatening impulses, and internal conflicts at the root of their difficulties; and develop conscious ways to rebound from, resolve, or otherwise deal with these feelings, impulses, and conflicts.