Psychotherapy Up Close: The Approaches We Offer at PSYMED

We should take care of our mental health just as thoroughly as we take care of our physical health. One way to achieve this is through psychotherapy. It offers clients a space where they can understand their emotions, learn to cope with difficult life situations, or even overcome traumatic experiences. During the 20th century, psychotherapy developed into a number of different approaches, each based on different theoretical foundations and responding to the client´s individual needs. This development reflects the fact that the human psyche is extremely complex and a single model would struggle to encompass all its aspects. Research confirms that no single approach can be considered universal or most effective (Norcross & Lambert, 2018). The success of psychotherapy depends on a combination of several factors — the choice of an appropriate method, the preferences of the client and therapist, and, above all, the quality of their mutual relationship. According to long-term meta-analyses, it is precisely this relationship that represents one of the most important elements contributing to positive change, regardless of the specific focus of the psychotherapist. 

The therapists at the PSYMED are experts in three proven approaches to psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, and systemic (family) therapy. These approaches can overlap and complement each other in practice—the choice of the appropriate approach always depends on the specific needs of the client and the nature of their problems. 

At the PSYMED clinic, you can choose the path that suits you best—or consult with an expert who will help you determine which approach might be most appropriate for you. You can learn more about the individual approaches practiced by our therapists in separate articles on our blog. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): When Change Begins in Thinking

• Gestalt Therapy: The Art of Being Present

• Systemic Therapy: Understanding Relationships, Understanding Yourself

Each of these articles explains the principles of the given approach, its practical application, and the types of difficulties for which it may be most beneficial. Together, they offer a comprehensive overview of the diverse possibilities of psychotherapy as provided at the PSYMED clinic.

About author: Jana Felklova Jana is a first-year master’s student in the Theoretical and Research Psychology program at Charles University in Prague. She views her work at Unicare Medical Center as a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of psychology while pursuing her studies.