2. A psychotherapist helps cure clients who are suffering
from certain emotional or mental disorders, or assists
them to efficiently manage their lives in spite of their
condition or disorder. The ultimate goal is to help such
patients to achieve a higher level of happiness on a daily
basis. The therapy usually involves assisting the client to
reach a state of mind that is more positive and balanced.
Most psychotherapy revolves around counseling and
behavioral therapy, and focuses on effective
communication with regard to ideas and feelings.
3. Certain psychotherapists attempt to create more
efficient communication channels between themselves
and their patience who find verbal expression
challenging. When this is the case, nonverbal
communication methods are often used. In most clinical
practices, basic plans center on two types of therapy:
cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamics.
4. Qualified practitioners who possess the necessary skills
usually aim to evaluate their clients' psychological issues
and tailor their plan of care to those needs. They realize
that if the patient is to benefit from the therapy,
subconscious resistance must be eliminated. When the
patient learns to change his or her thought patterns and
behavior, he or she can actively work toward recovery.
5. Psychotherapy addresses a variety of mental illnesses
and emotional disorders. These include panic attacks,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and irrational
fears, post traumatic stress syndrome, schizophrenia,
depression, and bipolar disorder. Therapy of this type
may also be helpful for individuals diagnosed with
something called borderline personality disorder.
6. Understanding that more than one session will be
necessary is essential. To experience initial benefits from
such treatment, one must typically attend a minimum of
12 sessions. This is because it is necessary for a person
to open up to the therapist in order for positive changes
to be experienced, and this is unlikely to happen after a
solitary session.
7. Although there is no specific time frame associated with
such therapy, twenty sessions are generally necessary
prior to the treatment offering major beneficial results.
If there is no notable change by that time, other options
should be pursued. The latter may include the use of
medication or extensive behavioral therapy programs.
Most therapists will make further recommendations if
traditional methods do not provide satisfactory results.
8. The part of psychotherapy that addresses habits and
behavior often calls for the client to complete exercises,
both in the professional's office and at his or her own
dwelling in between sessions. These exercises may
involve visualization, breathing techniques, and other
relaxing activities. Emotional problems must be faced
gradually in order to enable the person to gain freedom
from the elements that are prohibiting him or her from
living a happy, positive life.
9. When the patient starts feeling more balanced and
positive with regard to his or her life, the
psychotherapist will likely recommend that the
appointments commence. This, of course, will vary
substantially from one person to another based on each
client's individual circumstances. In the future, if the
person experiences a relapse, a few treatment sessions
are generally helpful in order to get him or her back on
track. Those feeling beset by mental or emotional issues
are wise to pursue professional help immediately.
