What is Psychotherapy?

Mar 2020 What is Psychotherapy?

What is psychotherapy? It is an evidence-based therapy that treatment specialists use to help clients with mental disorders. Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy where a counselor listens to the client and responds with solutions to the client’s challenges. 

Therapists often help clients learn how to recognize the underlying issues within the problems and develop coping skills to manage the symptoms of the problem. The therapist may employ multiple techniques to help the client achieve their goals. Almost every technique involves client participation and collaboration with the therapist.

What Does Psychotherapy Treat?

When you enter a treatment center for the first time, you may have both an addiction and a mental disorder. Psychotherapy treats mental health problems, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addiction
  • Personality disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Trauma or PTSD 

Also, psychotherapy can help people who do not necessarily have a mental disorder or addiction. For instance, counselors often explain the psychotherapy definition to patients and use the treatment to help couples or families resolve conflicts. They may also help clients relieve stress or anxiety. It is a powerful tool in helping people with rage, anger, physical problems, sexual problems, or insomnia. Psychotherapy is effective in treating both alcohol and drug addiction.

What Can You Expect During Psychotherapy?

Before you start a session with a therapist, you may undergo a series of assessments to determine your goals and needs. Once a treatment specialist has a better idea of your condition, they can develop a treatment plan that leads to long-term recovery. This is also your opportunity to ask questions or address your concerns if you don’t understand the psychotherapy definition. 

Your sessions will likely last for 45 to 60 minutes. You may also schedule multiple sessions per week, depending on your goals and your condition. You may start by participating in individual sessions. However, you may transition to group sessions as your progress. Both individual and group sessions are guided by your therapist.

Different Types of Psychotherapy

Once your therapist understands your condition, they may integrate different types of psychotherapy to help you manage your symptoms, including: 

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify negative thoughts that lead to negative or destructive behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive thoughts. 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of CBT. Your therapist teaches you skills that help you manage your emotions and deal with stressful situations in a more positive way. You also learn how to foster healthy relationships.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: One of the keys to recovery is first to accept your thoughts and behaviors. From there, you find the motivation to continue with your therapy and find solutions for your condition.

Learn More at Phoenix Rising

What is psychotherapy? Find out more at Phoenix Rising. We offer psychotherapy and other types of treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. To find out more, call us at 8552328211 and get started with your treatment today.