Mental health can be a tricky subject to navigate, especially when trying out treatment methods. For those who have undergone therapy or other treatment methods, the word “psychotherapy” may ring a bell.
So, What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment aimed towards helping individuals understand their feelings and prepare for present or future challenges they may face. While it has similarities to counseling, it also takes a much deeper look into an individual’s thoughts and behaviors, identifying underlying causes.
This treatment method is known to have its best success when individuals understand their need for change. If patients are unwilling to admit their need for help or try to better themselves, they will have a harder time reaching a healthy place.
Psychotherapy is known to help with issues related to depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and other disorders. It can often be paired with medication.
What is Involved in Psychotherapy?
There can be different approaches to psychotherapy, but they are mainly done in individual sessions. For some patients, their psychotherapist may engage them in group sessions as well. Depending on a person’s needs, they may go through psychotherapy for a few sessions, while others may depend on this treatment method for months.
Ultimately, psychotherapy is used to help individuals explore their problems in depth, enable them to see things from a different perspective and move them towards a solution. Patients of psychotherapy will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves, identify causes of tension in their relationships and learn how to overcome challenges and fears. But in order to grow in this way, these individuals are expected to put the work into it. They cannot expect their psychotherapist to do all the work for them. They must be willing to engage honestly and do their part.
Are There Risks?
As with any type of therapy, psychotherapy also has the possibility to trigger certain emotions in patients. Even though dealing with these emotions is often the key to achieving any sort of growth, many patients can grow overwhelmed and bothered by the sudden onset of these emotions or reminders of their past. Addressing these and coming to a resolution is the end goal of psychotherapy, but it can be a muddy process to go through. This emphasizes the importance of seeking out a qualified psychotherapist that the patient is able to trust. Some individuals may not want to open up to others about certain experiences, especially if it’s something they’ve kept hidden even from themselves. Finding a trustworthy therapist is the key to building a stable and confidential relationship that encourages growth.