How Can Professional Therapy Help You?
Given the wide array of processes and procedures ordinarily referred to as “psychotherapy,” coming up with a short, accurate definition for the word 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 complications by using the rapport and relationship established between a client and a professional therapist.
Psychotherapy can also provide support if you’re going through a difficult life transitions or facing a period of increased anxiety and stress, such as when coping with a separation or divorce, beginning a new career, or coping with the loss of a loved one.
Most psychotherapy tends to be goal-oriented and is focused on solving the specific problems that causedyou to seek professional help. At the start of therapy, you and your therapist will discuss the specific changes you’d like to create, decide on the goals of treatment, and break these goals down into more easily achievable milestones so you can track your progress.
Achieving therapeutic goals is accomplished through open communication and using techniques your therapist will provide to help you navigate the difficulties you’re facing. Your therapist will also recommend tools and help you develop skills that will allow you to overcome new obstacles that occur long after therapy is complete.
How is psychotherapy different from simply talking about your problems?
While most psychotherapy centers on the communication and rapport created between you and your therapist, effective therapy requires much more than simply talking about your problems.
Family and friends may be able to help you feel better occasionally, and some may even provide sound advice for you to consider. However, these interactions are not the same as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a solely professional relationship between you and a therapist that is different from any other relationships in a couple of critical 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 establish at the beginning of therapy. The therapist should expect nothing from you in return for their services other than payment for their time.
This is a critical point and the defining factor between the therapy relationship and any other relationships. You can tell your therapist almost anything without being concerned about offending them, about them telling someone what you said, or about having what you say affecting your career or other relationships in any way.
Another important difference between the therapeutic relationship and your relationships with other people is that your therapist will rarely, if ever, discuss their personal opinions with you so that you feel as comfortable as possible and do not alter the way you present yourself.
The nature of communication in therapy
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 express yourself. Your therapist will observe your body language, intonation, and other cues to fully understand your thoughts, feelings, and ability to communicate.
Therapists have received lengthy training and education to help them understand the specific problems you’re struggling with. They are familiar with the symptoms of psychological disorders and well-versed in helping people cope with and overcome the challenges and stresses of daily life.
Therapists also know what questions to ask to help you open up and express yourself honestly, and your therapist will likely ask several questions you’ve never been asked. To reiterate, your therapist’s and your communication will not be equal. Therapists will almost never discuss their personal opinions on topics such as politics or religion.
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
It is not uncommon for psychotherapy to be recommended whenever a person is having difficulties with a relationship, career, or life issue or a particular emotional problem that causes emotional discomfort or anguish that lasts more than a few weeks.
As with any rule, there are exceptions, but in general there is little to no harm in seeking therapy even if you’re not positive you can benefit from it. Millions of people seek the professional assistance of therapists every year, and most research shows that people who do so find the experience beneficial. Additionally, most therapists will be honest with you if they think you won’t benefit from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is most successful when you start it on your own initiative and have a strong will to create the changes you seek. If you don’t want to change, change will be slow to come if it comes at all.
Effecting change requires altering the beliefs and behaviors that are no longer serving your best interests. Since psychotherapy is about challenging one’s beliefs about the way the world operates, it is best to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
If you’re ready to acquire professional assistance and do the work required for therapy to be successful, therapy can help you create positive, lasting change in your life and be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.