What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy in which patients discuss their inner qualms in-depth. The therapist absorbs these issues and then suggests approaches to resolving them. Psychotherapy sessions can be one-on-one, but can also include others close to you. Psychotherapists will provide you with strategies to improve your relationships, handle unpleasant emotions, and increase your overall well-being.
Different types of Psychotherapy are better suited for different people, depending on the patient’s needs. The Blue Tree Clinic offers several types of Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy, Family Therapy, and Couples Therapy.
Types of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can take different formats depending on the style of the therapist and the needs of the patient. A few formats that you might encounter include:
- Individual therapy, which involves working one-on-one with a psychotherapist.
- Couples therapy, which involves working with a therapist as a couple to improve how you function in your relationship.
- Family therapy, which centers on improving the dynamic within families and can include multiple individuals within a family unit.
- Group therapy, which involves a small group of individuals who share a common goal. (This approach allows members of the group to offer and receive support from others, as well as practice new behaviors within a supportive and receptive group.)
What issues might Psychotherapy be used for?
Issues that psychotherapy can help with include (but aren’t limited to):
- Difficulties in coping with daily life or medical conditions.
- Stress.
- Anger.
- Trauma (physical or emotional).
- Difficulties with losing weight or quitting smoking.
- Coping with acute or chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, stroke, chronic pain or an autoimmune disease.
- The death of a loved one and grief.
- Divorce or relationship issues.
- Job or family issues.
- Specific mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders and more.
Benefits
Psychotherapy is often more affordable than other types of therapy and a viable option for those who don’t require psychotropic medication.
You can reap the possible benefits of psychotherapy even if you just feel that there is something “off” in your life that might be improved by consulting with a mental health professional.
Notable benefits of psychotherapy include:
- Improved communication skills
- Healthier thinking patterns and greater awareness of negative thoughts
- Greater insights about your life
- Ability to make healthier choices
- Better coping strategies to manage distress
- Stronger family bonds