psychoanalysis and religion

     Many people believe that psychoanalysis is religion in another form, and not necessarily a more modern one. A famous author and mental patient ( Sylvia Plath ) once compared psychoanalysis to being "born again". Both psychoanalysis and religion promise a new existence, free of the guilt and responsibilities of the past. Both use confession as one of the means to achieve this new existence.  Psychoanalysis is considered a "process"--it has no end.  It isn't meant to cure an illness, after which the patient moves on. It is an ongoing way of life, as religion is to many people. All "analysands"--everyone who has undergone psychoanalysis, including psychoanalysts--are members of a club, in a way. Psychoanalysts have their own therapists, as priests have their confessors. Many analysands attend meetings ( Jungian meetings, or meetings of the "oversoul") , as churchgoers attend services. The only thing psychoanalysis lacks to make a religion is priestly robes and sacraments.