What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy goes by several different names; talk therapy, counseling, therapy. While you could split hairs in distinguishing these, they all refer to seeking help from a mental health professional to work on your mental and emotional well-being by examining your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Psychotherapy tends to refer to using psychology and most likely, then, is conducted by a psychologist. A psychologist is a PhD or PsyD level trained professional. With doctorate level training, a psychologist will likely have more years of study, research background, and more hours of supervised experience doing psychotherapy. Psychologists have a high level of training to diagnose and treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as other emotional, behavioral, and relationship problems.
Psychotherapy can provide specific treatment of psychological symptoms. Psychotherapy can also help people gain new insights or consider new thoughts and perspectives about themselves, their lives, and others.
How can I benefit?
There are many reasons you might want to consider psychotherapy. The most obvious is if you are suffering from a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety or have a history of trauma. If you are struggling with your thoughts, feelings or behavior then psychotherapy can help with that. You might also consider psychotherapy if you are struggling with a relationship, with your job, or with stress or a major life transition. Psychotherapy can also support you if you are interested in understanding yourself better and want to grow as a person. Oftentimes, people try to cope with their struggles on their own first, or might seek help or advice from friends or family. If you tried solving problems on your own, but are not experiencing the change you would like to see, a professional could help.
What are the risks and benefits of psychotherapy?
General benefits that you may experience as a result of psychotherapy may include a decrease in specific symptoms (such as sleep disturbance, low mood, or worried thoughts), decreased stress, improved health, improved relationships, and/or problems being solved. You are likely to experience the benefit of feeling validated and understood by someone. You also have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new perspectives. You are likely to gain resilience in the face of challenges.
Any attempts to change your current situation can also involve risks. General risks associated with psychotherapy may include a temporary increase in emotional discomfort, worsening of symptoms, and/or relationship conflicts as you commit to the process of working toward your treatment goals and make changes. Change can be hard and may feel difficult. There is no guarantee that treatment will produce all of the desired outcomes or that you find a good therapist fit the first time.
Psychotherapy works!
There is research evidence that psychotherapy can make a positive difference in your life! Some people may also require medication for certain mental health issues. In such cases, medication in conjunction with psychotherapy can be very effective. A strong therapeutic relationship with your psychologist and receiving emotional support from them can help you do the courageous work of gaining new skills, new perspectives, and creating the change you seek for yourself and your life. What a fantastic investment to make in yourself and your future!
For more information on understanding psychotherapy go to the American Psychological Association.
