What is psychological therapy
Psychotherapy - Mayo Clinic
Overview
Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider.
During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.
There are many types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach. The type of psychotherapy that's right for you depends on your individual situation. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, counseling, psychosocial therapy or, simply, therapy.
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Why it's done
Psychotherapy can be helpful in treating most mental health problems, including:
- Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder
- Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
- Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or dependent personality disorder
- Schizophrenia or other disorders that cause detachment from reality (psychotic disorders)
Not everyone who benefits from psychotherapy is diagnosed with a mental illness. Psychotherapy can help with a number of life's stresses and conflicts that can affect anyone. For example, it may help you:
- Resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life
- Relieve anxiety or stress due to work or other situations
- Cope with major life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or the loss of a job
- Learn to manage unhealthy reactions, such as road rage or passive-aggressive behavior
- Come to terms with an ongoing or serious physical health problem, such as diabetes, cancer or long-term (chronic) pain
- Recover from physical or sexual abuse or witnessing violence
- Cope with sexual problems, whether they're due to a physical or psychological cause
- Sleep better, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
In some cases, psychotherapy can be as effective as medications, such as antidepressants.
However, depending on your specific situation, psychotherapy alone may not be enough to ease the symptoms of a mental health condition. You may also need medications or other treatments.
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Risks
Generally, there's little risk in having psychotherapy. But because it can explore painful feelings and experiences, you may feel emotionally uncomfortable at times. However, any risks are minimized by working with a skilled therapist who can match the type and intensity of therapy with your needs.
The coping skills that you learn can help you manage and conquer negative feelings and fears.
How you prepare
Here's how to get started:
- Find a therapist. Get a referral from a doctor, health insurance plan, friend or other trusted source. Many employers offer counseling services or referrals through employee assistance programs (EAPs). Or you can find a therapist on your own, for instance, by looking for a professional association on the Internet.
- Understand the costs. If you have health insurance, find out what coverage it offers for psychotherapy. Some health plans cover only a certain number of psychotherapy sessions a year. Also, talk to your therapist about fees and payment options.
- Review your concerns. Before your first appointment, think about what issues you'd like to work on. While you also can sort this out with your therapist, having some sense in advance may provide a good starting point.
Check qualifications
Before seeing a psychotherapist, check his or her background, education, certification, and licensing. Psychotherapist is a general term rather than a job title or indication of education, training or licensure.
Trained psychotherapists can have a number of different job titles, depending on their education and role. Most have a master's or doctoral degree with specific training in psychological counseling. Medical doctors who specialize in mental health (psychiatrists) can prescribe medications as well as provide psychotherapy.
Examples of psychotherapists include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, or other licensed professionals with mental health training.
Make sure that the therapist you choose meets state certification and licensing requirements for his or her particular discipline. The key is to find a skilled therapist who can match the type and intensity of therapy with your needs.
What you can expect
Your first therapy session
At the first psychotherapy session, the therapist typically gathers information about you and your needs. You may be asked to fill out forms about your current and past physical and emotional health. It might take a few sessions for your therapist to fully understand your situation and concerns and to determine the best approach or course of action.
The first session is also an opportunity for you to interview your therapist to see if his or her approach and personality are going to work for you.
Make sure you understand:
- What type of therapy will be used
- The goals of your treatment
- The length of each session
- How many therapy sessions you may need
Don't hesitate to ask questions anytime during your appointment. If you don't feel comfortable with the first psychotherapist you see, try someone else. Having a good fit with your therapist is critical for psychotherapy to be effective.
Starting psychotherapy
You'll likely meet in your therapist's office or a clinic once a week or every other week for a session that lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Psychotherapy, usually in a group session with a focus on safety and stabilization, also can take place in a hospital if you've been admitted for treatment.
Types of psychotherapy
There are a number of effective types of psychotherapy. Some work better than others in treating certain disorders and conditions. In many cases, therapists use a combination of techniques.
Your therapist will consider your particular situation and preferences to determine which approach may be best for you.
Although many types of therapies exist, some psychotherapy techniques proven to be effective include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones
- Dialectical behavior therapy, a type of CBT that teaches behavioral skills to help you handle stress, manage your emotions and improve your relationships with others
- Acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps you become aware of and accept your thoughts and feelings and commit to making changes, increasing your ability to cope with and adjust to situations
- Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies, which focus on increasing your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations, and resolving conflicts
- Interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on addressing problems with your current relationships with other people to improve your interpersonal skills — how you relate to others, such as family, friends and colleagues
- Supportive psychotherapy, which reinforces your ability to cope with stress and difficult situations
Psychotherapy is offered in different formats, including individual, couple, family or group therapy sessions, and it can be effective for all age groups.
During psychotherapy
For most types of psychotherapy, your therapist encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what's troubling you. Don't worry if you find it hard to open up about your feelings. Your therapist can help you gain more confidence and comfort as time goes on.
Because psychotherapy sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may find yourself crying, upset or even having an angry outburst during a session. Some people may feel physically exhausted after a session. Your therapist is there to help you cope with such feelings and emotions.
Your therapist may ask you to do "homework" — activities or practices that build on what you learn during your regular therapy sessions. Over time, discussing your concerns can help improve your mood, change the way you think and feel about yourself, and improve your ability to cope with problems.
Confidentiality
Except in rare and specific circumstances, conversations with your therapist are confidential.
However, a therapist may break confidentiality if there is an immediate threat to safety (yours or someone else's) or when required by state or federal law to report concerns to authorities. Your therapist can answer questions about confidentiality.
Length of psychotherapy
The number of psychotherapy sessions you need — as well as how frequently you need to see your therapist — depends on such factors as:
- Your particular mental illness or situation
- Severity of your symptoms
- How long you've had symptoms or have been dealing with your situation
- How quickly you make progress
- How much stress you're experiencing
- How much your mental health concerns interfere with day-to-day life
- How much support you receive from family members and others
- Cost and insurance limitations
It may take only weeks to help you cope with a short-term situation. Or, treatment may last a year or longer if you have a long-term mental illness or other long-term concerns.
Results
Psychotherapy may not cure your condition or make an unpleasant situation go away. But it can give you the power to cope in a healthy way and to feel better about yourself and your life.
Getting the most out of psychotherapy
Take steps to get the most out of your therapy and help make it a success.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don't, look for another therapist with whom you feel more at ease.
- Approach therapy as a partnership. Therapy is most effective when you're an active participant and share in decision-making. Make sure you and your therapist agree about the major issues and how to tackle them. Together, you can set goals and measure progress over time.
- Be open and honest. Success depends on willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and to consider new insights, ideas and ways of doing things. If you're reluctant to talk about certain issues because of painful emotions, embarrassment or fears about your therapist's reaction, let your therapist know.
- Stick to your treatment plan. If you feel down or lack motivation, it may be tempting to skip psychotherapy sessions. Doing so can disrupt your progress. Try to attend all sessions and to give some thought to what you want to discuss.
- Don't expect instant results. Working on emotional issues can be painful and may require hard work. You may need several sessions before you begin to see improvement.
- Do your homework between sessions. If your therapist asks you to document your thoughts in a journal or do other activities outside of your therapy sessions, follow through. These homework assignments can help you apply what you've learned in the therapy sessions to your life.
- If psychotherapy isn't helping, talk to your therapist. If you don't feel that you're benefiting from therapy after several sessions, talk to your therapist about it. You and your therapist may decide to make some changes or try a different approach that may be more effective.
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Psychological treatments | Your Health in Mind
What's psychological treatment?
Psychological treatment is sometimes called ‘psychotherapy’ or ‘talking therapy’.
It involves talking about your thoughts with a professional to:
- better understand your own thinking and behaviour
- understand and resolve your problems
- recognise symptoms of mental illness in yourself
- reduce your symptoms
- change your behaviour
- improve your quality of life.
Evidence shows that psychological treatments work well for emotional, mental and behavioural issues.
Psychological treatments are useful for people of all ages, including children.
They can help people from different cultural, social and language backgrounds.
You can have psychological treatment in an individual session, as part of a group, or online.
Why get psychological treatment?
Psychological treatments are proven to help with mental illnesses such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- addiction
- eating disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- personality disorders.
They are also used successfully to help people deal with:
- stress
- emotional problems
- grief and trauma
- relationship problems.
It may take a number of weeks for you to see results from most psychological treatments. Some types of treatment can take a year or more for you to get the full benefit.
They are not a quick fix, but the positive effects are often long-lasting.
Who can provide psychological treatments?
Psychiatrists can provide psychological treatments to people with mental illness.
Find a psychiatrist near you who can provide psychological treatments
Psychologists, some GPs, social workers, mental health nurses, counsellors and other therapists also offer psychological treatments.
First steps to get help
Not all people who offer psychological treatments have professional training or experience in that therapy. Ask your therapist about their qualifications before your first appointment.
Mental health professionals: who’s who?
Types of psychological treatment
There are different types of psychological treatments designed to help with different issues.
Some of the most common treatments are listed below (in alphabetical order):
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Cognitive analytic therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy
Family therapy
Group therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Mentalisation-based therapy
Mindfulness
Motivational interviewing
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Supportive psychotherapy
The skills I learned were invaluable to put things in perspective during an anxiety attack.For example, simple skills such as asking, 'will this matter in 5 days, 5 weeks, 5 years?' was a simple question that I often apply when I feel worry creeping in. I learned a lot about challenging the script in my mind, so that negative thoughts weren't as dominant.
Leanne, Melbourne
Your first appointment
In a first appointment you will probably be asked to tell your story – what’s happened in your life and the thoughts and feelings you’ve been having.
You may also discuss what your goals are for treatment.
This is a good time to ask your psychiatrist or other therapist questions such as:
- Why do you think this therapy will suit me?
- What are the outcomes?
- How often do I need to see you?
- How long will the therapy last?
- What should I do if there’s a crisis, or I need urgent help?
- How much will it cost?
After a session you might feel relief, or your emotions might be stirred up. Exercise is a good way to release tension.
First appointment with a psychiatrist
Get the most out of psychological treatment
You have to be actively involved for psychological treatment to work.
You can do this by:
- speaking honestly about what’s going on in your life, and in your mind
- giving your therapist feedback on how you’re doing
- asking questions
- attending all your appointments
- completing any ‘homework’ you are asked to do.
Your psychiatrist or other therapist will:
- offer a safe, trusting relationship
- provide a treatment plan that is created with your input
- adjust the treatment to your life stage and circumstances
- keep what you say in an appointment confidential (although sometimes legal processes will require that some information is shared)
- offer a positive and non-judgemental approach with a view to your recovery.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, consider trying someone else.
Find a psychiatrist near you
Online therapy
There are a number of websites that offer online treatments for mild depression and anxiety.
Web-based programs that have evidence to show that they work are:
Remember
-
Make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist.
-
You need to be active in contributing to and being part of the therapy.
-
It takes time for psychological treatments to work, but the effects last.
You might also be interested in:
Page last reviewed June 2016 | C1008V1
This is a general guide only, and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for advice about your situation. The RANZCP is not liable for any consequences arising from relying on this information. Subject matter experts, people with lived experience of mental illness and carers all contributed to this fact sheet.
What is psychotherapy? | doc.ua
Psychotherapy is a general term used to describe the process of treating psychological and mental disorders using verbal and psychological techniques. During this process, a trained psychotherapist helps the patient address specific or general issues such as a mental illness or life stressor.
What is psychotherapy, definition: Depending on the approach used by the therapist, a wide range of techniques and strategies can be used. Almost all types of psychotherapy involve developing a therapeutic relationship, communicating and creating dialogue, and working to overcome problematic thoughts or behaviors. Read more about what psychotherapy is in the article.
Why psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, what is it? Psychotherapy is not only a conversation when the doctor sits and listens to the patient. In simple words, psychotherapy is a correction of the patient's behavior and emotions, aimed at getting rid of certain fears and complexes, rethinking the negative actions that the patient's "ego" generates, which leads to its destruction and the emergence of resentment or guilt, self-doubt and self-doubt. forces. Psychotherapy comes in many forms, but all are designed to help people overcome adversity, develop coping strategies, and lead happier, healthier lives.
What does psychotherapy do? If you are experiencing symptoms of a psychological or psychiatric disorder, you may benefit from being evaluated by a trained and experienced psychotherapist who is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness.
Who is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a general practitioner who treats mild to moderate mental illnesses through psychotherapy.
Who else can provide psychotherapy? Psychiatrists in the process of treating a disease, psychotherapists (not only a psychiatrist, but also a doctor of another specialty who has special training), narcologists, medical psychologists, as well as psychologists with special training.
What problems does psychotherapy solve?
When is a psychotherapist needed? Psychotherapy is used to treat a wide range of mental illnesses, including:
- addiction;
- anxiety disorders;
- bipolar disorder;
- depression;
- eating disorders;
- obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- phobias;
- post-traumatic stress disorder;
- substance use disorder.
What does a psychotherapist treat? In addition, psychotherapeutic treatment helps people cope with:
- chronic pain or serious illness;
- divorce and separation;
- grief or loss;
- insomnia;
- low self-esteem;
- relationship problems;
- stress.
How does psychotherapy work?
When people hear the word 'psychotherapy', many imagine the stereotypical image of the patient lying on the couch talking while the therapist sits in a nearby chair writing down thoughts on a yellow notepad. The reality is that many techniques and practices are used in psychotherapy.
How does psychotherapy work? The exact method of psychological therapy used in each situation may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the training and experience of the therapist, preferences, and the exact nature of the patient's current problem.
Types of psychotherapy
There are a number of effective types of psychotherapy. Some work better than others in treating certain disorders and conditions. In many cases, therapists use a combination of methods. The therapist will consider your specific situation and preferences to determine what approach may be best for you.
Although there are many types of therapy, the basics of psychotherapy that have proven effective include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches behavioral skills to help you deal with stress, manage your emotions, and improve relationships with others.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that helps you recognize and accept your thoughts and feelings and commit to making changes, increasing your ability to cope and adapt to situations.
- Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy aimed at increasing awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing a new understanding of your motives and resolving conflicts.
- Interpersonal therapy to address issues with your current relationships with others to improve your interpersonal skills - how you relate to others such as family, friends and colleagues.
- Supportive psychotherapy that strengthens your ability to cope with stress and difficult situations.
Psychotherapy is offered in a variety of formats, including individual, couples, family, or group therapy sessions, and can be effective for all age groups.
How does a psychotherapy session work?
For most psychotherapy, your therapist encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what is bothering you. Don't worry if you find it difficult to open up about your feelings. Your therapist can help you gain more confidence and comfort in therapy over time.
A psychotherapy session is a process that sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may cry, get frustrated or even angry. Some people may feel physically exhausted after a session. A doctor will always be there to help you deal with such feelings and emotions.
How does a psychotherapist work? Your doctor may ask you to do "homework" - activities or practices based on what you learn during regular therapy sessions. Over time, talking about your problems can help improve your mood, change the way you think and feel, and improve your ability to deal with problems.
Help Doc.ua: you can sign up for a psychotherapist on the website.
Psychotherapy - what is it? - St. Petersburg GBUZ 'City Clinic No. 76'
Psychotherapy - what is it?
Psychotherapy (from the ancient Greek "soul", "spirit" + "treatment", "recovery", "medicine") - a system of therapeutic effects on the psyche and through the psyche on the human body. Psychotherapy is aimed at ridding a person of various problems (emotional, personal, social, etc.). by establishing a deep personal contact between the psychotherapist and the patient through conversations and discussions, as well as using various cognitive, behavioral, psychoanalytic, medication and other techniques.
Psychotherapist treats such diseases as:
- Depression
- Anxiety-phobic disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Severe stress response and adjustment disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
- Non-organic sleep disorders
- Sexual disorders of a psychogenic nature (premature ejaculation, lack of orgasm, vaginismus)
Reasons to visit a psychotherapist may be:
- sleep disorders;
- chronic persistent fatigue;
- self-knowledge and desire to understand oneself;
- communication difficulties and self-doubt;
- loneliness, self-doubt, low self-esteem;
- depression, stress, chronic fatigue;
- anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive fears (heights, darkness, after accidents, etc.
)
- conflict and aggression;
- age crises;
- difficulty in making important decisions;
- difficulties at work or in your own business;
- heightened sense of guilt or sense of duty;
- weight loss;
- unrequited love;
- loss of a loved one;
- psychological trauma;
- conflicts and lack of understanding in the family;
- divorce, parting, betrayal, jealousy;
- unregistered marriage, remarriage;
- disharmony in intimate life;
- conflicts with children, conflicts with parents, conflict of generations;
Krylova Larisa Fedorovna, psychotherapist
Education:
Basic education:
Leningrad Sanitary and Hygienic Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine (1982)
Professional retraining in the specialties:
- "Psychiatry" (2001) at St. Petersburg State Medical University. acad. I.P. Pavlova
- "Sexology" (2002) at SPbMAPE
- "Psychotherapy" (2003) at SPbMAPE
2008)
International Educational Project on Working with Children and Families in a Gestalt Approach (VEGI-GATLA) (2010-2012)
"Gestalt approach in the therapy of psychosomatic disorders" (Moscow Institute of Gestalt Therapy and Counseling) (2011-2013)
Educational and practical conferences of VEGI, MGI, the Crimean Center for Gestalt Therapy, seminars conducted by foreign experts (Tine van Wijk , Amsterdam; Malcolm Parlet, England)
Field of practice - psychological counseling, psychotherapeutic practice, individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, group psychotherapy.
Counseling profile:
1. Problems of family relationships: spouses, parents and children,
- separation (separation) from the parental family
- choice of life partner, family union, family conflicts
- pregnancy, motherhood age-related crises
- empty nest syndrome
2. Psychosomatic disorders (vegetative-vascular dystonia, back pain, tension headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome
3. Anxiety disorders (fears, panic attacks, restlessness).
The procedure for receiving patients by a psychotherapist and psychologist CORZ
St. Petersburg City Polyclinic No. 76
1. A psychotherapist and a psychologist receive patients and citizens by appointment.
2. Preliminary appointment with a psychotherapist is carried out:
2.1. By self-appeal by phone of the CORH registry: 534-31-50 and by personal contact with the CORH registrar at the address: Nepokorennyh Ave., 8. k. 2.
from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays.
2.2. At the direction of the doctors of the St. Petersburg City Polyclinic No. 76 (via the CORH phone: 534-31-50), with a personal appeal to the registrar of the CORH at the address: Nepokorennykh Ave., 8, building 2, from 9-00 to 17 -00 on working days of the week.
