Everything You Need to Know About Psychotherapy

Mental health has emerged as one of the most common contemporary health issues, affecting around 13% of the global population. The stigma surrounding mental health problems has made it important to look for effective therapeutic solutions. Psychotherapy has the potential to treat a wide array of mental disorders, ranging from depression to Schizophrenia to personality disorders. Read on to know more about psychotherapy techniques and its benefits:

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a collaborative treatment process for treating mental health issues through the use of scientifically-validated verbal and psychological techniques. The relationship between an individual and a psychologist provides a supportive environment to identify and change the behavioral patterns or change troubling thoughts that are impacting the mental well-being of the individual.

Psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment of video game addiction, depression, low self-esteem, drug addiction, personal loss, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues. The common psychotherapy techniques include talking, drama, story-telling or music.

Psychotherapy helps in understanding the behaviors and thoughts that contribute to the mental well-being and identify ways to modify them. Another important benefit is to identify the events, such as death of a near one, divorce or job loss, contributing to the mental illness and understanding which aspects of such problems can be resolved or improved. Psychotherapy can also assist to feel more in control of your life and regain lost enjoyment, besides aiding in the development of healthy coping skills for uncomfortable emotions and conflict-resolution.

Forms of Psychotherapy

There are various forms of psychotherapy, with some lasting only a few sessions, while others continuing for months depending on the individual’s requirements. Typically, an individual session last for around 45–90 minutes and may be one-to-one, in pairs, or in groups. In a group-based psychotherapy session, two or more individuals share experiences and learn from each other’s experiences. Nowadays, online therapy is also getting popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Couples therapy is a popular form of psychotherapy that assists partners to understand the reasons behind the mental illness of their loved one, and the changes required in communication, attitude and behaviors to help in easing the ailment. It can also help spouses to resolve relationship-related issues.

Family therapy (also known as family counselling) help to address specific issues that are hampering the psychological health of a family, such as financial hardship, separation or death. Since family is the pivotal part of the team that helps people cope with mental disorders, it is crucial for family members to understand the trauma of their loved one, how they themselves can cope, and what kind of support they can provide.

How to Choose a Psychotherapist?

A wide range of mental healthcare professionals can help in the recovery of mental health disorders. These professionals work in in-patient medical facilities, such as large hospitals, and out-patient facilities, like schools and community mental health centers.

Before you choose a psychotherapist to consult for your mental health problems, it is essential to know about the qualifications, certifications and licensing requirement of the therapist. Typically, a psychotherapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, trained counselor, social worker or advanced psychiatric nurse. Usually, your physician will suggest the type of psychotherapy provider you need to consult but finding the right therapist is relatively easier when you have an understanding of the different areas of expertise and training.

Conclusion

In recent years, psychotherapy has assumed greater significance due to a rapid increase in mental health issues and the social stigma associated with it. In order to cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviors, it is advisable to rely on therapies, rather than medication. Psychotherapists can help people to live a happier, a healthier, and a more fulfilling life.