Psychotherapy
The word psychotherapy comes from the Greek psykhē (mind), and therapeuein (to heal); that is, to heal the mind. It’s a method of developing internal resources to deal with psychological or emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, dependencies, relational difficulties, lack of hope or sense of meaning, or feelings of isolation, emptiness, self-demand, or self-criticism.
It’s a common misperception that people who seek psychotherapy must be unwell or have something “wrong” with them. This is not true! We all struggle with certain elements of our psychological selves, and psychotherapy can also be used in pursuit of better self-knowledge or self-development. By facilitating awareness of the origin of difficulties and allowing us to develop new perspectives – new ways of feeling, experiencing life, and relating to others – psychotherapy helps us to address painful situations from the past or present and gain a better quality of life.
Common questions
What is the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry. Their treatment focus is mainly on medication to relieve or remedy the symptoms of mental illnesses.
Clinical psychologists are health professionals with a non-medical education in psychology. Their main functions are psychological and psychosocial assessment, disease prevention, health promotion, and psychological support.
To qualify to work with clients in a psychotherapeutic context, both psychologists and psychiatrists must undergo specialized training to become psychotherapists.
How long does psychotherapy last?
Psychotherapy typically involves a series of sessions, each lasting approximately 50 minutes to one hour. The frequency of sessions is fixed – for example, once or twice a week or month – according to the goals and stage of the work and the availability of the client. How many sessions a person requires varies greatly according to the nature of the issues and the model or approach used. Sometimes just a few sessions can help you understand symptoms you’ve been struggling with for a long time, but it usually takes time to achieve lasting changes.
The duration of treatment will depend on your history, how you are at the moment, what you want to change, and how committed you can be to performing that change.
When should I resort to psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is essential if you are experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. It can help you come to terms with grief or trauma, address issues such as addiction or anxiety, or build renewed hope and meaning. It’s equally effective in supporting you through personal, marital, or family conflicts that can cause psychological distress and difficulty in functioning properly.
Whatever your goals, psychotherapy is an excellent tool for achieving self-knowledge and developing your best self.
