When people hear the word "therapy" or hear someone refer to "my therapist," a number of associations are triggered and they are not always positive. After years of working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, I believe the best way to simply describe psychotherapy is a practice in building a healthy relationship with yourself.
Therapists view this goal in different ways: some think it is the pinnacle, while other therapists see it as secondary to targeting current symptoms. Therapists with different orientations will therefore use different methods to attain this goal.
My advice to all clients is to be picky! Therapy is for you, which means you should feel comfortable, connected, and safe in the relationship with your therapist. Shop around and ask questions before you settle on a therapist.
With that being said, therapy uncovers or sheds light on some difficult aspects of your life - it is typical for things to feel a little worse before they feel better.
Check out some of these links for more information and to use as helpful resources:
Psychology Today
Psych Central
American Psychological Association
New York State Psychological Association
Therapists view this goal in different ways: some think it is the pinnacle, while other therapists see it as secondary to targeting current symptoms. Therapists with different orientations will therefore use different methods to attain this goal.
- Psychodynamic: Born out of Freud's psychoanalysis, the psychodynamic psychotherapies are focused on helping the individual gain insight into the unconscious processes that influence their behaviors. It is exploratory and less structured than other forms of therapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral: Founded by Aaron Beck, CBT targets an individual's thought processes and how they impact behavior. This is a more structured form of psychotherapy and will involve problem-solving techniques to target areas of concern.
- Interpersonal: Focused on the here-and-now, IPT focuses on interpersonal (relationship) issues and strives to improve interpersonal functioning and increased social support. It is often time-limited and can range from 6-20 sessions.
- Systemic: This approach views problems in their context or the system that they exist in. The focus of treatment is on shifting dynamics in families and relationships to achieve an adaptive balance.
My advice to all clients is to be picky! Therapy is for you, which means you should feel comfortable, connected, and safe in the relationship with your therapist. Shop around and ask questions before you settle on a therapist.
With that being said, therapy uncovers or sheds light on some difficult aspects of your life - it is typical for things to feel a little worse before they feel better.
Check out some of these links for more information and to use as helpful resources:
Psychology Today
Psych Central
American Psychological Association
New York State Psychological Association