What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a broad term for a range of treatments that help clients with addiction or mental disorders. While treatment professionals define psychotherapy in different ways, the goal is essentially the same: help clients recover from substance abuse and manage the symptoms of a disorder.

Psychotherapy helps clients to look inward to find the source of their problems. A therapist works one-on-one with a client through every stage of recovery until the desired results are achieved. Sessions typically include evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.
Regardless of how treatment professionals define psychotherapy, it is important that clients understand its value in helping them reach their goals.

Psychotherapy: Interaction Between Client and Therapist

What is psychotherapy? It is a form of talk therapy in which both the therapist and the client work together to solve problems.

Professionals often define psychotherapy according to the type of care they provide. For instance, therapy may include an interaction between the specialist and an individual, couple, or family. Sessions can include both adults and children. Most sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes.

For therapy to work, you must be willing to participate in the process. Both you and your therapist work together utilizing a variety of strategies. You will address immediate issues that are related to your condition, and find ways for working through them. The number of sessions depends on how well you progress through treatment.

Psychotherapy is also defined as a confidential interaction between you and others in the room.
Whether you are with your therapist or in a group setting, you must not compromise the privacy of all involved.

Types of Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy? It is a broad range of counseling methods that include individual and group sessions.

One of the ways to define psychotherapy is by the strategies that specialists use in your sessions. Some of the most common types of therapy include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you to identify the link between your negative thoughts and destructive behaviors. If you can change your thinking, then your behavior will improve over time. CBT effective in treating depression, trauma, and anxiety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

If you have borderline personality disorder or trouble dealing with stressful situations, dialectical behavior therapy can help. Your therapist will teach you skills for handling situations without allowing your emotions to get out of control. You also learn strategies that help you maintain healthy relationships with others.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Childhood trauma or experience may have caused you to repeat mental or behavioral patterns throughout your life. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to overcome the vicious cycle associated with these patterns. It is especially effective in treating the cycle of addiction.

The Benefits of Psychotherapy

There are several ways for you to answer, what is psychotherapy, and learn why psychotherapy is the best avenue for mental disorders or addiction including:

Psychotherapy helps you manage the symptoms of your condition
You will notice an improvement in your emotions and behaviors
You will have a greater awareness of the connection between your thoughts and actions
There is an overall significant improvement in all areas of your life – work, family, health, etc.
It provides treatment for both addiction and mental health issues