Psychology therapy or psychotherapy: everything you need to know

therapy and girl

Have you ever felt too overwhelmed to face your problems? If so, you're not alone... we all need help from time to time to get over some emotional bumps, and Psychologists can be of great help in these cases. Psychology therapy can be a great help and nowadays we find many ways to go to therapy even if we think we don't have time. It is increasingly common online psychology therapy a growing modality.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a wide variety of mental illnesses and emotional problems. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control problematic symptoms so that a person can function better and can increase the well-being and emotional healing you need.

Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, illness, or medical loss, such as the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems. Psychotherapy can be used in combination with medications or other therapies.

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Objectives of psychology therapy

The goal is to allow patients or clients to understand their feelings and what makes them feel positive, anxious or depressed. This can equip them to cope with difficult situations in a more adaptive way. The therapy will have different durations, depending on the problem and the duration that the professional believes is most appropriate. People who are eager to change and are willing to put in the effort often report positive results.

Psychotherapy can provide help with a variety of problems, from depression and low self-esteem to addictions and family disputes. Anyone who feels emotionally anxious about problems or believes they are not able to cope with their circumstances, pYou may benefit from psychotherapy. Combined with medications, for example, it can play a role in the treatment of different disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Psychotherapy sessions

Therapy can be done in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help both children and adults.. Sessions typically take place once a week for approximately 30 to 50 minutes. Both the patient and the therapist must actively participate in psychotherapy. Trust and relationship between a person and their therapist is essential to working together effectively and benefiting from psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few sessions), treat immediate or long-term problems (months or years), treat long-standing and complex problems. The patient and therapist jointly plan treatment goals and arrangements for the frequency and duration of the meeting.

Confidentiality is a basic requirement of psychotherapy. Furthermore, although patients share personal feelings and thoughts, intimate physical contact with a therapist is never appropriate, acceptable, or helpful.

therapy in session

Medications and therapy

As we have mentioned above, therapy can be accompanied by medications to treat mental health conditions. In some circumstances, medication may clearly be helpful and in others, psychotherapy may be the best option. For many people, combined treatment with medications and psychotherapy is better than either. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can be important in supporting recovery and overall well-being.

Does it really work?

Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience relief from symptoms and are better able to function in their lives.. About 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show improvement. Psychotherapy improves emotions and behavior, and also allows positive changes in the person's body and brain.

To help you get the most out of psychotherapy, approach therapy as a collaborative effort, be open and honest, and follow an agreed-upon plan for treatment. Do any task between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you have talked about... Always follow the professional's instructions in order to have good development.

types of therapy

There are different types of psychotherapy and the professional will decide which may be the best option according to the specific case presented. The most common types of therapy are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that are harmful or ineffective, replacing them with more accurate functional thoughts and behaviors.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) It is a form of short-term treatment. Helps patients understand underlying interpersonal issues that are problematic, such as unresolved pain, changes in social or work roles, conflicts with significant others, and problems related to others. It can help people learn healthy ways to express emotions and ways to improve communication and how they relate to others. It is most often used to treat depression.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy is a specific type of CBT that helps regulate emotions. It is often used to treat people with chronic suicidal thoughts and people with borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Teaches new skills to help people take personal responsibility for changing unhealthy or harmful behaviors. It involves both individual and group therapy.

therapy and boy

  • Psychodynamic therapy It is based on the idea that behavior and mental well-being are influenced by childhood experiences and inappropriate repetitive thoughts or feelings that are unconscious (outside the person's awareness). A person works with the therapist to improve self-awareness and change old patterns so that he/she can take charge of his/her life.
  • psychoanalysis It is a more intensive form of psychodynamic therapy. Sessions generally take place three or more times per week.
  • Supportive therapy uses guidance and encouragement to help patients develop their own resources. It helps build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, strengthen coping mechanisms, and improve social and community functioning. Supportive psychotherapy helps patients deal with issues related to their mental health conditions which in turn affect the rest of their lives.

Normally the sessions are held in person, but nowadays there is also online psychology therapy that can help you with your emotional problem without leaving home. For example in Worldpsychologists They can help you with online therapy and find the psychologist that suits you. You can look for the one that best suits you and your needs and also that generates confidence in you.