What Is Psychotherapy And Can It Help You?
Given the wide array of processes and procedures usually referred to as “psychotherapy,” coming up with a short, accurate definition for the word can be difficult to say the least.
However, psychotherapy can be defined as a process focused on helping people heal from emotional and psychological problems as well as learn constructive means to deal with life’s complications by using the rapport and relationship built between a client and a professional therapist.
Therapy can also provide support if you’re going through a difficult life transitions or facing a period of increased anxiety and stress, such as when dealing with a separation or divorce, beginning a new career, or struggling with the loss of a loved one.
Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is focused on solving the particular problems that causeyou to seek professional help. At the start of therapy, you and your therapist will discuss the particular changes you’d like to make, decide on the goals of treatment, and break these goals down into more easily achievable milestones so you can track your progress.
Achieving therapeutic goals is accomplished through open communication and using techniques your therapist provides to help you navigate the difficulties you’re facing. Your therapist will also recommend tools and help you develop skills that will help you surmount new obstacles that occur long after therapy is complete.
How is psychotherapy different from just talking about your problems?
While most psychotherapy centers on the communication and rapport built between you and your therapist, effective therapy requires much more than simply talking about your problems.
Friends and family may be able to help you feel better occasionally, and some may even provide helpful advice for you to consider. However, these interactions are not the same as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a solely professional relationship between you and a therapist that is different from other relationships in a couple of vital ways.
The nature of the psychotherapy relationship
As mentioned, the relationship between you and your therapist is strictly professional. The client-therapist relationship exists solely for your benefit and to help you achieve the goals you establish at the beginning of therapy. The therapist expects nothing from you in return for the services they provide other than payment for their time.
This is a vital point and the defining factor between the therapy relationship and all other relationships. You can discuss almost anything with your therapist without worrying about offending them, about them telling someone what you said, or about having what you say affect your relationships or career in any way.
Another fundamental difference between the therapeutic relationship and your relationships with other people is that your therapist will rarely, if ever, discuss their personal opinions with you so that you feel as comfortable as possible and not alter the way you present yourself.
The nature of therapeutic communication
Unlike friends, family members, and colleagues, therapists are trained to understand what you say, what you don’t say, and how you do or don’t express yourself. Your therapist will pay attention to your body language, intonation, and other cues to fully understand your thoughts, feelings, and ability to express yourself.
Therapists have received lengthy training and education to help them understand the specific problems you’re facing. They are familiar with the symptoms of psychological disorders and skilled at helping people cope with and resolve the challenges and stresses of daily life.
Therapists also know what questions to ask to help you open up and honestly express yourself, and your therapist will likely pose some questions you’ve never heard before. Bear in mind, the communication between you and your therapist will not be equal. Therapists will almost never discuss their personal opinions on issues such as religion or politics.
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
It is not uncommon for therapy to be sought whenever someone is having difficulties with a professional, personal, or life issue or a particular emotional dilemma that causes emotional discomfort or pain that continues for longer than a few weeks.
As with any guideline, there are exceptions, but for the most part there is little to no problem going to therapy even if you’re not sure it will help. Millions of people seek the help and support of a psychotherapist every year, and most research proves that people who do so find therapy beneficial. Additionally, most therapists will honestly tell you if they think you won’t benefit from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is most successful when you begin it on your own initiative and have a strong desire to create the change you seek. If you don’t want to change, change will be slow to arrive if it comes at all.
Creating change means altering the beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve your best interests. As psychotherapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about themselves and the way the world works, I recommend you keep your mind open and be willing to try new things.
If you’re ready to acquire professional help and do the work necessary for therapy to be effective, therapy can help you create positive, lasting change in your life and be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.