What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a range of techniques which use only dialog and communication and which are designed to improve the mental health of a patient/client, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). Most forms of psychotherapy use only spoken conversation; though some also use various other forms of communication such as the written word, art work and relaxation techniques.

Commonly psychotherapy involves a therapist and client(s) — and in family therapy several family members or even other members from their social network — who discuss their issues in an effort to discover underlying problems and to find constructive solutions.

Therapy may address specific forms of diagnosable mental illness, or everyday problems in relationships or meeting personal goals. Treatment of everyday problems is more often referred to as counseling but the term is sometimes used inter changeably with "psychotherapy".

Psycho therapeutic interventions are often designed to treat the client in the medical model, although not all psycho therapeutic approaches follow the model of "illness/cure". Some practitioners, such as humanistic schools, see themselves in an educational or helper role. Because sensitive topics are often discussed during psychotherapy, therapists are expected, and usually legally bound, to respect client confidentiality.

Benefits of psychotherapy: many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life.

• Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety--to manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures.
• Improve communications skills--learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you.
• Get "unstuck" from past relationships and family issues--break old patterns and develop new ways of dealing with old issues.
• Heal old psychological wounds--repair damage from the past
• Discover creative ways to problem-solve
• Improve your self-esteem and boost your self-confidence
• Increase your ability to love yourself and love others--enrich your relationships with a greater capacity for respect, compassion, and joy.