What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy supports people with mental health conditions and emotional challenges. This article will discuss the types and benefits, and how the psychotherapy approach is key in restoring health and well-being.
About Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy meaning in psychology: Psychotherapy is described as talk therapy and is a therapeutic approach that involves psychological techniques, primarily through verbal interaction, to help resolve people’s behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges.
In other words, Psychotherapy is a general term used for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or any other mental health care provider. During psychotherapy treatment, the patient learns about his moods, thinking conditions, feelings, thoughts, and behavior. With psychotherapy, one can learn how to take control of one’s life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.
There are many types of psychotherapy available, each with its own approach. The type of psychotherapy treatment that’s right for you depends on your situation.
Why it’s done
Psychotherapy helps individuals change their thinking patterns and enhances their coping skills. Explore the benefits of psychotherapy here. Psychotherapy treatment helps treat:
-
- Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
- Addictions, such as drug dependence, alcoholism, or compulsive gambling
- Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
- Personality disorders, such as dependent personality disorder or borderline personality disorder
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia
Not everyone who benefits from psychotherapy treatment is diagnosed with a mental illness. Psychotherapy helps with several life stresses and conflicts that may affect anyone. For example, it can help you:
-
- Relieve stress or anxiety due to work or other situations
- Resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life
- Cope with major life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job
- Come to terms with a serious physical health problem, such as cancer, diabetes, or long-term (chronic) pain
- Learn to manage unhealthy reactions, such as passive-aggressive behavior or road rage.
- Recovery from sexual or physical abuse or witnessing violence
- Cope with sexual issues, whether they are due to a psychological or physical cause
- Sound sleep, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
In a few cases, psychotherapy can be as effective as medications, such as antidepressants. However, depending on your medical situation, psychotherapy alone wouldn’t be enough to ease the symptoms of a mental health condition. You might also need medications or other treatments.
Some commonly used therapies for treating depression or bipolar disorder
-
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Interpersonal therapywas originally developed to treat depression. It has been adapted for bipolar and other disorders. This therapy is time-limited and goal-oriented. It addresses a person’s symptoms, social relationships, and roles. The patient and therapist examine the current and past relationships. It doesn’t try to change the personality, but rather to teach new skills to help lessen the symptoms. An IPT therapist actively supports the patient on their wellness journey. The therapist does not assign homework but may encourage a patient to engage in social activities.
- CBT- Cognitive behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy combines two therapies. The first is cognitive therapy (which majorly involves examining how thoughts affect emotions), and the 2ndone is behavioral therapy (which involves changing a person’s reactions towards challenging situations). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is goal-oriented and works great when the patient takes part actively. One aspect of CBT is that it helps the patient recognize the automatic thoughts or core beliefs contributing to negative emotions. Behavioral therapy occurs when the patient has a more stable state of mind. The patient can then take actions that help them move closer to planned goals or objectives. The therapist assigns homework to the patient/s in CBT. It includes reviewing notes or tapes of the therapy session, journaling, and trying a new approach to any old problem. There can also be exercises to make a patient more aware of their thoughts and actions without judging them.
- Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy can help you cope with mental and emotional distress. One of the goals is to gain self-awareness and emotional growth. It is believed to be extremely effective in helping individuals dealing with depression, pain, anxiety, and relationship problems.
- Psychoanalysis: An intensive type of psychodynamic therapy. The therapy session is usually conducted three or more times a week.
Therapy sessions
The therapy session may be conducted in an individual, couple, or group setting, benefiting adults and children. They are held once a week, and the duration is about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the severity of the problem. This includes the involvement of both the patient and the therapist. For best results, it is essential to have trust between the patient and the therapist, allowing them to work together effectively and achieve gains from psychotherapy.
The therapy can be short-term, say a few weeks to months, facing immediate challenges, or long-term, say months to years, facing long-term complex issues. Moreover, the duration of treatment will be discussed by the patient and the therapist together.
Psychotherapy with medication
Psychotherapy is often collaborated with pharmacological treatment for resolving mental health conditions. In some cases, medications may be needed, while in other cases, psychotherapy is the foremost option. For many people, combining treatments can be more beneficial than using either treatment alone. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, including healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can support recovery and overall wellness.
The most important parts of any therapy include partnership, goals, communication, collaboration, understanding, trust, and action. Successful therapy can help patients change their thoughts, perceptions, beliefs, actions, and moods.
Long-term psychotherapy benefits include improved emotional regulation, enhanced self-awareness, and personal empowerment. If you wish to try this therapy to resolve your issues, please contact your local healthcare provider; they will refer you to a psychiatrist (if needed).
