What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy refers to the use of psychological principles, techniques, and methods to help individuals address mental health issues, instigate behaviour change, and live better lives.
Being in psychotherapy usually means seeing a trained mental health professional to discuss cognitive, emotional, and behavioural issues.
Psychotherapy is a process that typically begins with an assessment of the client’s needs and goals. Then, the therapist creates an individualized treatment plan that is most appropriate for the client’s condition.
Psychotherapy may come in the form of brief or long-term therapy; individual or group sessions; and as a standalone approach or in conjunction with psychotropic medications.
Aim of Psychotherapy
The central aim of psychotherapy is to help individuals understand the nature of and manage their current stressors; learn coping and resilience skills to alleviate negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours; and maintain equanimity to live fulfilled and satisfied lives.
Types of Psychotherapy
The most common evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches are:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness-based Therapy
- Humanistic Therapy
- Integrative or Holistic Therapy