How Does Psychotherapy Work

Psychotherapy is a fairly common term, but most people don’t have an accurate concept of what it really is. So, what is psychotherapy? And how does it work? Well, psychotherapy helps patients or clients recognize their feelings and know the situations or triggers that can make them feel good, depressed or nervous.

There are many reasons to pursue therapy. This post highlights how psychotherapy works and the different types of psychotherapy out there. It also talks about some of the benefits of Psychotherapy.

How Psychotherapy Works

Psychotherapy is often referred to as talk therapy or treatment as it uses talking without the use of medication. While it may take up to a year for a course of treatment, some people only need a few sessions to address a specific issue. Sessions typically follow a carefully structured process and lasts from forty-five minutes to an hour, once every week. How Does Psychotherapy Work

Sessions can be done with groups, couples or one-on-one. Techniques used vary widely and include other forms of communication such as music or dance, narrative storytelling and dramatization.

You and your psychologist use talking to explore your issues. Some clients find that just talking freely about an issue is relief in itself. As you continue with treatment, your psychologist will help you to understand what’s upsetting you. The assessment stage is followed by the problem-solving phase. This stage involves working with your therapist to find different ways of managing your feelings, thinking and behaving. Your therapist might assign homework to practice new skills and even encourage role-playing new behaviors.

It’s also possible that your therapist might suggest bringing in others. If you’re having problems in your relationship, for example, having your spouse or a friend join you can be helpful.

Types of Psychotherapy

Cognitive therapy
Behavioral therapy
Group therapy
Marriage therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Family therapy

Benefits of Psychotherapy

There are various benefits that come with going to therapy. Below is a list of benefits that you can expect from seeing a therapist.

Every client or patient derives different benefits from psychotherapy based on their individual treatment plans and diagnoses.
One of the most significant benefits of psychotherapy is giving clients a person to talk to. Working with a therapist can help you find a new way of looking at issues and help you find a solution.
Clients gain a better understanding of themselves, their values and goals and helps them develop skills they can use to improve their relationships.
Long-term or short-term therapy can help individuals deal with specific issues such as an eating disorder or phobia
But for psychotherapy to work, the client must work hard and engage themselves.
Plenty of studies have found that psychotherapy helps many people make positive changes in their lives. According to research findings, about 75 percent of people who engage in psychotherapy receive some benefit.
Psychotherapy can help you handle emotions from triggers or problems, even if they aren’t life-altering or traumatic.

Bottom Line

So how does psychotherapy work? Psychotherapy allows you to see how you seem to others, makes you aware of the impact of negative emotions on your life and also gets you feedback on your feelings. Effectiveness of therapy will depend on the individual. Talking with a therapist lets you look at issues from a different angle. Through psychotherapy, you can come up with a strategy to handle hardships.