Psychotherapy, also known as counselling, psychosocial or talk therapy, is a general term used to describe the treatment of mental health problems.
This is done by talking it over with a professional mental health provider such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or a qualified therapist.
Psychotherapy can help you learn more about your condition and the feelings, behaviours, and moods that cause problems in your life.
It can help you take control of your life by teaching you how to use healthy coping skills to deal with challenging situations.
Conversations with a psychotherapist are usually confidential except in specific circumstances.
Therapists may break patient confidentiality if they perceive an immediate threat to the patient or someone else or when they are required to do so by law.
PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
There are many different types of therapy offered in different formats and the type that is right for you will depend on your personal situation.
It usually includes individual, group, couple or family therapy sessions for all age groups.
Therapy sessions typically take place in a therapist’s office or clinic once a week or more often and usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
Examples of professionals who offer psychotherapy sessions include psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, licensed professional therapists, psychiatric nurses, licensed marriage and family therapists, and other professionals with mental health training.
Most trained psychotherapy professionals have a master’s degree or doctoral degree with a specific focus on psychological counselling.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication if necessary in addition to providing psychotherapy.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
Some types of psychotherapy work better on certain disorders than others and in some cases, a therapist will use a combination of techniques.
A thorough consultation will allow the therapist to consider your particular issues and help to determine which therapy will have the best outcome for your situation.
Some of the more popular techniques that have been proven to be effective include:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) identifies negative or unhealthy beliefs and behaviours and helps you replace them with positive, healthy ones.
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies focus on helping you become aware of your unconscious thoughts and behaviours, how to resolve conflicts, improve your ability to cope with situations, and commit to making positive changes.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy focuses on addressing problems in your current relationships by helping to improve your interpersonal skills (how you relate to other people like friends, colleagues or family).
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that teaches specific behavioural skills to help manage your emotions, handle stress better, and improve relationships with others.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you become aware of certain thoughts and feelings and commit to making positive changes that will increase your ability to adjust and cope with stressful situations.
- Supportive psychotherapy helps to reinforce your ability to cope with stressful and difficult situations.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Most mental health problems can be treated including:
- Personality Disorders such as dependant or borderline personality disorders
- Anxiety Disorders such as panic disorders, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and phobias
- Addictions such as drug dependence, alcoholism or compulsive gambling
- Mood Disorders such a bipolar disorder or depression
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders that cause detachment issues
- Eating Disorders such as bulimia and anorexia
Not all problems are due to mental illness and psychotherapy can help with a number of life problems that can affect anyone detrimentally.
Some problems it may be helpful with are:
- Resolving conflicts with a partner or someone else
- Relieving stress and anxiety due to work or any other situation
- Coping with major life changes such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or divorce.
- Learning how to cope with unhealthy reactions to everyday situations such as road rage or anger issues
- Coping with sexual problems in a relationship
- Improved sleep if you are suffering from insomnia or having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
- Coming to terms with serious, ongoing health problems such as cancer, long-term chronic pain or diabetes
- Recovering from trauma due to physical or sexual abuse or having witnessed violence
- Coping with sexual problems due to physical or psychological causes
Psychotherapy is a general term for treatment rather than a job title or an indication of training, education, or licensure.
A skilled therapist will have the experience and qualifications to match the type of therapy and the intensity of treatment with your particular needs for the best outcome.
During the initial consultation, you will be given the opportunity to review your concerns and the issues you would like to work on.
Bear in mind that you will be exploring difficult experiences and painful feelings that may make you feel emotionally uncomfortable.
However, the coping skills you learn will help you conquer your fears and manage your negative feelings better.
If you are looking for professional personal counselling, Chila & Associates can assist you and can also help out with life management.
Our counselling can help you rebuild your relationships and develop the skills necessary to manage any type of crisis confronting you.
Please call us today on 03 9483 8837 or contact us through our website to make an appointment.
