Given the wide array of processes and procedures ordinarily 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 defined as a process focused on helping people heal from emotional and psychological problems as well as learn constructive methods to deal with life’s complications by using the rapport and relationship established 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 extreme anxiety and stress, such as when coping with a separation or divorce, beginning a new career, or coping with the loss of a loved one.
Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is focused on solving the specific problems that causedyou to seek professional help. At the start of therapy, you and your therapist will discuss the specific changes you’d like to create, decide on treatment goals, and break these goals down into more easily attainable milestones so you can track your progress.
Achieving therapeutic goals is accomplished by open communication and using techniques your therapist provides to help you navigate the problems you’re facing. Your psychotherapist will also recommend tools and help you develop skills that will help you surmount new obstacles in your life long after therapy is complete.
How is psychotherapy different from just talking about your problems?
While most psychotherapy centers on the trust and rapport created between you and your therapist, successful therapy involves much more than simply talking about your problems.
Family and friends may be able to help you feel better occasionally, and some may even provide helpful advice that you should consider. However, these interactions are not the same as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a solely professional relationship between you and your therapist that is different from all other relationships in a couple of important ways.
The nature of the psychotherapy relationship
As mentioned, the relationship between you and your therapist is strictly professional. The therapist-client relationship exists specifically for your benefit and to help you achieve the goals you set at the start of therapy. The therapist should expect nothing from you in return for the services they provide other than payment for their time.
This is an important 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 else, or about having what you say affect your relationships or career in any way.
Another important 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 in order for you to feel as comfortable as possible and do not alter the way you talk about yourself.
The nature of therapeutic communication
Unlike family members, associates and friends, psychotherapists 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 received lengthy training and education to assist them in understanding the specific problems you’re dealing with. They are familiar with the symptoms of psychological disorders and trained to help people navigate and resolve the challenges 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 pose some questions you’ve never been asked. Just remember, the communication between you and your therapist will not be equal. Therapists will almost never share their personal opinions on issues such as religion or politics.
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
It is not uncommon for psychotherapy to be recommended whenever someone is struggling with a professional, personal, or life issue or a particular emotional concern that causes emotional discomfort or pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks.
As with any rule, there are exceptions, but in general there is little to no issue with seeking therapy even if you’re not positive you can benefit from it. Millions of people seek the help and support of psychotherapists every year, and most research indicates that people who do so find therapy beneficial. Additionally, most therapists will tell you if they believe you won’t benefit from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is most effective when you begin therapy 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.
Effecting change requires altering the behaviors and beliefs that are no longer serving your best interests. Since psychotherapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about the way the world functions, you should keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
If you’re ready to seek professional assistance and do the work necessary for therapy to be successful, therapy can help you create positive, lasting change in your life and be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
