How Can Professional Therapy Help You?
Considering the wide range of processes and procedures regularly called “psychotherapy,” creating a short, adequate explanation for the term can be difficult to say the least.
That having been said, psychotherapy can be defined as a process focused on helping people heal from emotional and psychological problems as well as learn constructive ways to deal with life’s challenges by using the communication and relationship built between a client and a professional therapist.
Therapy can also provide support if you’re experiencing a difficult life transition or facing a time of increased anxiety and stress, such as when going through a separation or divorce, starting a new career, or dealing with the loss of someone you love.
Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is focused on solving the specific problems that cause you to seek professional help. At the beginning of therapy, you and your therapist will discuss the specific changes you’d like to make, decide on the goals of treatment, and break these goals down into more easily attainable milestones so you can track your progress.
Achieving therapeutic goals is carried out by open interaction and by using techniques your therapist provides that will help you navigate the problems you’re experiencing. Your therapist will also recommend resources and help you acquire techniques that will allow you to overcome new obstacles in your life long after therapy is complete.
How is psychotherapy different from talking about your problems?
While most psychotherapy centers on the communication and relationship created between you and your therapist, therapy involves much more than simply talking about your problems.
Family and friends may be able to help you feel better from time to time, and some may even provide helpful advice for you to consider, however, these interactions do not constitute psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a strictly professional relationship between you and your therapist that is different from other relationships in a couple of important ways.
The nature of the psychotherapy relationship
As mentioned, the relationship between you and your therapist is strictly professional. The therapist-client relationship exists solely for your benefit and to help you achieve the goals you set at the outset of therapy. The therapist expects nothing from you in return for their services other than payment for their time.
This is an important point and the defining factor between the therapy relationship and all other relationships. You can tell your therapist almost anything without worrying about offending them, about them telling someone else, or about having what you say affect your relationships or career in any way.
Another significant difference between your relationship with your therapist and your relationships with other people is that your therapist will seldom, if ever, mention their personal opinions with you so that you feel as comfortable as possible and not alter the way you present yourself.
The nature of therapeutic communication
Unlike family members, associates and friends, therapists are trained to understand what you say, what you don’t say, and how you do or don’t communicate. Your therapist will pay attention to your body language, intonation, and other cues to fully understand your thoughts, feelings, and ability to express yourself.
Therapists have obtained substantial education and training to assist them in understanding the particular challenges you’re dealing with. They are well-versed in the signs and symptoms of psychological disorders and skilled at helping people cope with and overcome the difficulties and stresses of everyday life.
Therapists also know what questions to ask in order to help you open up and honestly express yourself, and your therapist will likely ask several questions you’ve never been asked. Bear in mind, your therapist’s and your communication will not be equal. Therapists will seldom reveal their personal opinions on subjects such as politics or religion.
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
It’s not uncommon for therapy to be suggested whenever someone is struggling with a relationship, career, or life issue or a particular emotional concern that causes emotional discomfort or pain continues for more than a few weeks.
As with any rule, there are exceptions, but for the most part there is little to no harm in going to therapy even if you’re not entirely certain you can benefit from it. Millions of people seek the help and support of a psychotherapist every year, and most research shows that people who do so benefit from the experience. Additionally, most therapists will be honest with you if they believe you won’t benefit from therapy.
Psychotherapy is most successful when you begin therapy on your own initiative and have a strong desire to create the change you seek. If you don’t want to change, change will be slow to come if it comes at all.
Creating change means altering the behaviors and beliefs that are no longer serving your best interests. Since, psychotherapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about themselves and they way the world works, it is best to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
If you’re ready to ask for professional help and do the work necessary to make therapy a success, psychotherapy can help you create positive, lasting change in your life and be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
Pamela Levy is a psychotherapist in San Mateo, CA, where she specializes in providing psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling services.