WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY
Using psychotherapy, our therapists help people of all ages live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
Psychotherapists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. There are several approaches to psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal and other kinds of talking therapy that help individuals work through their problems.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and the therapist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and non-judgemental. You and your therapist will work together to identify and change the thought and behaviour patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.
By the time you’re done, you will not only have solved the problem that brought you in, but you will have learned new skills which will enable you to cope better with whatever challenges may arise in the future.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER PSYCHOTHERAPY
Because of the many misconceptions about psychotherapy, you may be reluctant to give it a try. Even if you know the realities instead of the myths, you may feel nervous about trying it yourself.
Overcoming that nervousness is worth it because any time your quality of life isn’t what you want it to be, psychotherapy can help.
Some people seek psychotherapy because they have felt depressed, anxious or angry for a long time. Others may want help for a chronic illness that is interfering with their emotional or physical well-being. Some individuals may have short-term problems they need help navigating. They may be going through a divorce, facing an empty nest, feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving a family member’s death.
Signs that you could benefit from therapy include:
- You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness.
- Your problems don’t seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.
- You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities.
- You worry excessively, expect the worst or are constantly on edge.
- Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs or being aggressive, are harming you or others.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY?
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy and therapists generally draw on one or more of these. Each theoretical perspective acts as a roadmap to help the therapist understand their clients and their problems and develop solutions.
The kind of treatment you receive will depend on a variety of factors: current psychological research, your therapist’s theoretical orientation and what works best for your situation.
For example, therapists who use cognitive-behavioural therapy have a practical approach to treatment. You may be asked to carry out certain tasks designed to help you develop more effective coping skills. This approach often involves homework assignments. Your therapist might ask you to gather more information, such as logging your reactions to a particular situation as they occur. They may want you to practice new skills between sessions, such as practising pushing elevator buttons if you have an elevator phobia. You might also have reading assignments so you can learn more about a particular topic.
In contrast, psychoanalytic and humanistic approaches typically focus more on talking than doing. You might spend your sessions discussing your early experiences to help you and your psychologist better understand the root causes of your current problems.
Your therapist may combine elements from several styles of psychotherapy. In fact, most therapists don’t tie themselves to any one approach. Instead, they blend elements from different approaches and tailor their treatment according to each client’s needs.
The main thing to know is whether your therapist has expertise in the area you need help with and whether they feel that he or she can help you.