PSYCHOTHERAPY is a process of self-exploration under the guidance of an experienced and trained professional - a psychotherapist. The process is to help people understand who and what they are, and why they function in their specific ways.
Psychotherapy is a process of changing a person's current habits, and hence, a client is able to reach his deepest sources of anguish, often rooted in childhood. Psychotherapy is also a process of overcoming his own limitations and exploring strengths of his personality.
A therapist, using his knowledge and skills, helps expand a man's consciousness which results with a better self-understanding, and in consequence a man can change himself and his behaviour accordingly, and that usually induces alternations in family and professional environments. A mode of cooperation between a therapist and a client is determined by a diagnosis of a complaint, and what kind of intervention is required, as well as a client's response to different interventions in the course of treatment.
Strategies applied by a therapist are rooted in different psychological theories. These cover psychodynamic ones, classic psychoanalysis included, object-relation psychology and self-psychology; phenomenological theories, including Gestalt, existential psychology and client-focus psychology; cognitive-behavioural psychology, integration and system psychologies. Some therapists work basing on one chosen theory but many adjust their theoretical approach to their personality as well as complaints reported by a client. Usually therapists search for such a psychotherapeutic orientation which is an expansion of their values and is consistent with their personality. Yet, to elaborate your own theoretical model requires many years of practice as well as an ability to derive from your own life experience and your inner wealth and strength. It must be accompanied by regular theoretical studies, acquiring specific therapeutic skills and constant supervision of more experienced therapists, as well as readiness to have a fair look at your own life, frequently by undergoing your own psychotherapy.
Psychotherapists in our Practice work with clients basing mainly on two theoretical approaches - analytical and psychodynamic ones.
What group psychotherapy is
Group psychotherapy is recommended for persons who experience interpersonal difficulties, i.e. in relations with other people. An experience of a group therapy gives an opportunity to examine your own limitations and barriers in contacts with other people and to experiment with new ways of building up relationships which so far have been unavailable for some important psychological reasons.
Group therapy may last from a few months to a couple of years and group sessions may take place once or a few times a week. Group psychotherapy is preceded with a consultation which aims at adjusting the most optimal form and subject of a group to needs of a person interested in it.
Effective psychotherapy is possible only when a person looking for help can trust a therapist. A therapist is bound to behave honestly, responsibly and ethically and thus, to care for confidentiality and prevent from conflict of interests or situations where it is easy to violate your competences.
Ethical rules for psychotherapeutical work were drawn up in Ethical Code of Conduct for Psychologists and Ethical target="_blank" Code of Conduct for Psychotherapists.