What is psychotherapy and why try it

Psychotherapy is an effective way of dealing with mental, emotional and sometimes physical difficulties through talking to a therapist and using specific therapeutic methods.

It is for anyone who wants to better understand themselves, their emotions, thoughts and behaviour, improve their quality of life or overcome specific problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or relationship difficulties.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a structured process led by a trained professional (psychotherapist) who supports the client in finding ways to manage their difficulties. There are many different strands and techniques of psychotherapy.

Among them, for example:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Aimed at changing thought patterns and behaviour.

• Gestalt psychotherapy: Focuses on self-acceptance, self-expression, self-fulfillment and personal growth.

• Psychodynamic therapy: works with unconscious processes and influences of the past.

• Family and Couples Therapy: Addresses problems in interpersonal relationships.

• Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth and self-awareness.

• Short-term Crisis Intervention: Helps to cope with challenging life situations.

Thus, the approaches vary and each therapist chooses an approach according to the needs of the client, the nature of the difficulties, and his or her own training.

Why try psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can be the key to a better understanding of self, greater psychological well-being and healthier relationships. It helps you process challenging life situations, anxiety, stress or depression and offers a safe space where you can open up without fear.

Whether you are solving a specific problem or just looking for more balance in your life. Trying psychotherapy doesn't mean that you can't handle something, but rather that you are actively taking care of your mental health and well-being. 

1. Better Managing Emotions and Stress

Psychotherapy teaches functional techniques to manage strong emotions such as anger, fear, or sadness, and deal with stress more effectively.

2. Problem Solving and Trauma Resolution

Therapy sessions allow you to explore painful experiences in a safe and controlled way, process trauma, and find a path to healing.

3. Improving Relationships

Psychotherapy helps you understand yourself and others, strengthens communication skills, and helps build healthier relationships. When you understand what's going on inside you, you see others through a different lens.

4. Increase self-confidence

Working on self-awareness and self-acceptance can greatly improve self-esteem and overall perception of self-worth. The best outcome is then a virtuous cycle where better self-esteem leads to better results, again leading to greater self-confidence.

5. Support with change

Whether it's a new job, divorce, moving or other major change, a therapist can be a guide through difficult times in life.

6. Preventing mental health problems from getting worse

Psychotherapy also helps to address problems before they become more serious and promotes mental health in the long term. Regular sessions are beneficial for a stable and fulfilled life.

For whom is psychotherapy suitable?

Psychotherapy is really for everyone. For example, it can be sought by anyone who:

• feels exhausted, sad or anxious,

• is experiencing relationship problems,

• is going through a life crisis,

• wants to better understand their emotions and behaviour,

• has a need for personal growth.

There is no problem small enough to be a reason not to enter therapy. Many people feel that the issues they are dealing with are not serious enough to ask for help. But the truth is that no problem is small. And while someone might wave their hand over a particular situation, for someone else the problem can be a real life burden. The important thing is that the person has a desire to change or improve something or feels that they need help in certain situations.

What to expect from the first sessions of psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy offers a safe and confidential space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. At the beginning, the therapist discusses with the client their reasons for coming, goals and expectations. Sometimes the first meetings are also used to check that the client is comfortable with the therapist. Because the relationship between client and therapist is key to the success of therapy.

In Psymed, such introduction sessions are primarily about: 

• getting to know the psychotherapist and his/her style of work,

• formulating an assignment (the topic the client comes with and would like to address) for the therapist, however, there is no need to have a specific assignment or problem,

• the client can ask any questions he/she has about the meeting,

• familiarization with the organizational structure of the meeting.

During the initial meeting, it is very important that the client feels comfortable, safe, and can imagine spending the next weeks or months with a particular therapist. The therapist must be suited to the client as a person, so that the client can imagine confiding in that person.

If the therapist does not suit you, it is okay not to continue seeing that particular therapist and to try someone else. It would definitely be a shame if you disregarded therapy after the first meeting. It may very well be that you will not find a person who suits you until your next meeting with another therapist. Be sure not to be afraid to tell the therapist that he or she is not a good fit for you humanly. He or she is a professional and is used to and prepared for such reactions.

Therapy can be done individually, in pairs (couple therapy) or in a group. 

When is it appropriate to see a psychiatrist?

Psychotherapy is not a substitute for psychiatric care for serious mental illness (e.g., psychosis, major depression, bipolar disorder). In these cases, a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment under the guidance of a psychiatrist is appropriate. However, psychotherapy can also be an important part of comprehensive care and induce long-term positive changes in these diagnoses.

Remember that psychotherapy is a process - sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes months or years. The pace and length depends on the individual needs of the client. Each client not only has his or her own specific burden, but also responds to the sessions in a different way. The main thing is not to give up. Once you start, you are already on the path that leads to a better life. And that's worth it.

Psychotherapy is a valuable tool on the road to better mental health, better relationships and a happier life. Trying it is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and self-care. Whether you're struggling with specific difficulties or just desire a better understanding of yourself, psychotherapy can offer a safe way for change, growth, and needed support.

If the topic resonates within you, confide in our psychotherapy professionals.

 

Resources:

https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Psychoterapie

VYMĚTAL, Jan, a kol. Obecná psychoterapie. 2., rozš. a přeprac. vyd. Praha: Grada, 2004. ISBN 80-247-0723-3.