Given the wide array of processes and procedures commonly referred to as “psychotherapy,” coming up with a short, accurate definition for the word can be difficult in the least.
That having been said, psychotherapy can be described as a process focused on helping people overcome emotional and psychological problems as well as learn constructive means to deal with life’s problems by using the communication and relationship created between a client and a professional counselor.
Psychotherapy 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, starting a new career, or coping with the loss of a loved one.
Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is tailored to solving the specific issues that cause you to seek professional help. At the beginning of treatment, you and your therapist will examine the specific changes you’re looking to make, determine treatment goals, and break these goals down into more readily achievable milestones so that you can keep track of your success.
Achieving therapeutic goals is accomplished through open communication and using techniques your therapist will provide to help you navigate the difficulties you’re facing. Your psychotherapist will also recommend tools and help you develop skills that will allow you to overcome new obstacles in your life long after therapy is complete.
How is psychotherapy different from just talking about your problems?
While most psychotherapy focuses on the trust and rapport established between you and your therapist, successful therapy requires far more than simply discussing your problems.
Best friends and family can probably help you to feel better once in a while, and some may even provide practical advice for you to consider. However, these interactions do not constitute psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a strictly professional relationship between you and a therapist that is distinctive from all 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 therapist-client relationship exists solely for your benefit and to help you achieve the goals you set at the outset of therapy. The therapist expects nothing from you in return for their services other than payment for their time.
This is a critical point and the defining factor between the therapeutic relationship and all other relationships. You can discuss almost anything with your therapist without having to worry about offending them, about them revealing to another person, or about having anything you reveal affecting your career or other relationships the slightest bit.
Another essential distinction between the therapeutic relationship and your relationships with other people is that your therapist will rarely, if ever, mention their personal opinions with you in order for you to feel as comfortable as possible and not alter how you present yourself.
The nature of therapeutic communication
Unlike family members, associates and friends, therapists are trained to understand what you say, what you don’t say, and how you do or don’t communicate. 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 obtained lengthy education and training to help them understand the particular challenges you’re dealing with. They are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of psychological disorders and well-versed in helping people navigate and rise above the difficulties and stresses of daily life.
Therapists also know what questions to ask in order to help you open up and express yourself honestly, and your therapist will likely ask a number questions you’ve never heard before. Just remember, the communication between you and your therapist will not be equal. Therapists will hardly ever talk about their own opinions on issues such as politics or religion.
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
It’s not at all unusual for psychotherapy to be recommended in the event that an individual is contending with a career, relationship, or life issue or a specific emotional difficulty that produces emotional suffering or pain continues for more than a couple of weeks.
As with any guideline, you can find exceptions, but generally speaking there is little to no problem attending therapy even if you aren’t positive you can benefit from it. Millions of people seek the help and support of a psychotherapist each and every year, and most research indicates that individuals who do so find therapy beneficial. Additionally, most psychotherapists will be honest with you if they think you won’t benefit from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is most effective when you begin the process on your own initiative and possess a strong will to create the changes you seek. If you don’t wish to change, change will likely be slow to come if it appears at all.
Generating change requires modifying the behaviors and beliefs that no longer serve your best interests. As therapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about themselves and the way the world operates, I recommend you keep your mind open and be willing to try new things.
If you’re ready to seek professional assistance and do the work required to make therapy a success, therapy can help you create positive, lasting change in your life and be one of the better investments you’ll ever make.
Learn more about psychotherapy and therapy by visiting Pamela Levy’s website: http://www.pamelalevymft.com/.
